THE

Volume 41, Issue 30

A Beacon and A Bridge

SPIRE
July 29, 2013

WCC Mission Trip to Africa - July 2013

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

Sunday, July 28th

Welcome to Our New Member!
Ashley Richardson

Sunday, July 21st

Welcome to Our New Members!
Ray & Rosanne Bruce and daughter, Brooke McNeal

Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming 2013 Areas of Focus
Prayer - Presence - Peace

Child Dedication
Ellis Blanton Stokes
Parents: Lowell & LeAnn Stokes Baptism at The Bridge
Join us this Sunday night, August 4th to support Kristen Newman, who will be baptized at The Bridge!

woodmontchristian.org

Why Jesus? by Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

For the remaining weeks of summer, we are continuing to focus on a very important question on Sunday mornings: "Why Jesus?" The idea came to me from reading a book Methodist Bishop Will Willimon wrote a book a few years ago titled, "Why Jesus?" We have copies in Spire books. Willimon asks, "Do you want to see Jesus? Do you want to see the one who came from dry, dusty Galilee, moved under the cold gaze of peasants, a man destitute, without a job, house, or welcoming family? Do you want to see this one who, though he had nothing, refused to act like a submissive, cringing simpleton but stood up to the presumed powerful and dared to speak directly for God, tackling sickness and death and taxes head on, facing down both demons and swaggering, sword-wielding bullies? Do you want to see this one who, though he appeared so ordinary, made such wild, reckless claims for himself, reaching out to the dead, the dying, and the demented? Do you want to see this one whom we dare to believe is God with us? If so, then come and see." (from the Introduction) for forty days by himself where he is tempted; and he then begins his Galilean ministry in the synagogue by reading these words from Isaiah: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke then tells us that he rolls up the scroll, gives it back to the attendant, sits down and says, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." From these prophetic words that Jesus chooses as his "inaugural address," we can gain a lot of insight into his agenda and his priorities. We can begin to understand who he was and what he came to do. He cared deeply for the poor, he helped the blind to see again, and he freed the captives. And guess what, we are all captives to some degree. It might be economic captivity, and in Jesus' day, the poor were exploited in many ways. But captivity can also be defined as anything that keeps us from fullness of life it might be fear, worry, anger, depression, addiction, regret, jealousy, materialism, love of money, racism, bigotry, pride, fear of death, grief you name it. Jesus came to free us from these things.

We can all acknowledge that Jesus means different things to I have always been intrigued by Gandhi's famous quote different people. And our culture has a hard time agreeing on exactly who Jesus is what he calls us to be and to do. I have that, "he would have been a Christian if it weren't for all the Christians." He speaks on behalf of many people who have a said before: problem with the Christian faith because they see the high For some, he is simply a historical figure of the past levels of hypocrisy among its adherents. It is hard to argue who lived in Galilee. with that because there is a lot of hypocrisy. Christians will For others, he is living and real. say they believe one thing and then do another. The truth is For some, he is the rubber stamp on conservative we all fall short of the ideals and teachings that Jesus set politics and ideologies. forth. Every day we must do our very best to follow and For others, the driving force behind liberal policies. to live up to the challenges that he has set forth. Loving enemies, turning the other check, forgiving over and over For some, he brings up bad memories of a very rigid again, being generous, not judging this is not the norm in upbringing. our world. Yet, we can probably all agree that it is what our For others, the memory of a loving church home that world needs to survive. The culture in which we live can be nurtured them in their early years. violent, hostile, selfish, manipulative, greedy, competitive, For some, he is a symbol of intolerance. unforgiving, and ruthless. Many long and hunger to For others, he is a symbol of inclusivity and welcome. experience the love and peace of Christ. For some, he is challenging and inspiring. For others, he is just an obligation at Christmas and Easter. For some he is life changing For others, he is life draining. Whatever we think about Jesus, we can all agree that he is a fascinating figure who has changed the course of history and who wants to change our lives today if we are up for it. I hope that we are. In Luke's gospel, Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River; he then escapes to the wilderness
The Spire is published weekly by: Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 Visit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org

I am inviting you to join me in diving into Luke's gospel and in asking this question, "Why Jesus?" Why do I need Jesus in my life? Why do we need Jesus in our culture? Why do we need Jesus in our marriages, our families, our relationships? Come and see. It's a journey worth taking. Blessings,

(615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-9319 email: wcc@woodmontcc.org Kim Adair, Editor Copyright 2013

Warm Fuzzy by Thom Schuyler, Director of College & Young Adults

It is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 25th and this is the final afternoon of Chi Rho camp 2013 the last camp of the summer season. For the next hour I will be sitting in the Great Room of the lodge at Bethany Hills with a group of 6th and 7th graders writing "Warm Fuzzies." A typical warm fuzzy is simple: "Loved being with you this week," "So glad I made a great new friend" or "Can't wait to see you next summer." For a sincerely special friend they may become more flowery: "Meeting you has changed my life," "I see God in you" or "Consider yourself in my heart forever." There is also the collection from inarticulate 12-year-old boys that may include: "Duh," "What's up" or The Great Room is comprised of three outer walls of tall "Dude, where's my car?" windows and a fourth wall with doors leading into a kitchen Creating meaningful notes for 63 teenagers is a and the primary resource room. Since Monday the sills below the windows have been filled with brown paper bags (lunch tremendous challenge for an adult. It is impossible to be sacks) decorated with colorful names, flowers, stars, sincere with your feelings for a bunch of kids whose rainbows, crosses and other appointed icons chosen by each names you cannot even recall at the end of a hectic week. camper as identity markers. These are "Warm Fuzzy" bags Nonetheless, we all try, we all fail but we all get it done. and there is one for every camper, counselor and director This week eight Woodmont middle-school students and present during this week. five adults attended Chi Rho camp. And there is one other If you don't know, a Warm Fuzzy is a brief and positive very notable fact: Margie Quinn, a WCC member and recent note often as short as one word written on a small piece of graduate of University of Georgia served our entire paper and placed in a designated Warm Fuzzy bag. They are denomination as one of three Peace Interns. We were blessed intended to lift the spirits of the recipients and prolong the to have her serve with us during Chi Rho camp. She was good memories of a camping experience. In theory, everyone prepared, outstanding, stunning, lovely, fun, funny, kind and present during a week of camp should receive a warm fuzzy faithful. And I just remembered that I neglected to write from every other attendee. The bags are then given to each Margie a warm fuzzy. So, here it is: camper at the end of the week and the contents make for Dear Margie, great reading on the often-sad drive home following a week I see God in you. of church camp madness and glee. Indeed, it may be an adolescent tradition but it is a beloved one. Love, Thom

MembersofthePastAspirer's SundaySchoolClasson Sunday,July21st Woodmont's70thBirthday

PicturedLefttoRight: TimandDianePerry,SusanandLee Moss,GaryandLynneThompson, CynthiaandDennisBeck (BackgroundPicture:HaleHooper)

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).

Sunday School August 4th

Join us for Intro to Woodmont!

This Sunday, August 4th at 12:15 p.m. in the Boardroom
Introduction to Woodmont is a free luncheon and class to teach visitors and new members about our beliefs, values, and community. We'll take a brief look at the Disciples of Christ denomination and our own congregation. Visitors and members alike are invited to join us for lunch and a lively conversation with our church ministers about what it means to be a part of the Woodmont family. Free child care will be provided if requested in advance by calling the church office at 297-8563.

9:30 a.m.
Disciples Class (105) - Led by Roy Stauffer "The Cost of Discipleship" Challenge Class (200) - Led by Susan Hammonds-White "Caring Conflict Resolution: Rediscovering Values" Young Adult Class (Boardroom) - Led by Rob Quinn "O-Dog and Micah" Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer "Renewing Your Spirit - Setting Your Boundaries in Our Digital Society"

11:00 a.m.
Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer Reflections Class (200) - Led by Roy Stauffer "Here I Stand" Points of View (105) - Led by Ralph Parsons and Doug King "Sermon Discussions" College & University-Aged Young Adults (107) Led by Allen McDonald
5 Patrick Quinn Cindy Walker Beth Cashion 6 Bill Alford Robbie Sinks Ellen Cochran Lizzy White Seymour Michelle McWhorter Joyce Burton Rosemary Weston Mitchell Martin 7 Matthew Miccioli Elizabeth Regen Marcella Derryberry Chris Paisley Jennifer Walker Marisa Taveau 8 Pat Malone Billy Hamburg 9 Natasha Rollins Alberta Martin Isse Waddey Lulah Quinn 10 John Hobby Amanda Howell Annie Lauren Hendrick 11 Kathy Morgan Sarah Sloane-Fuller Sara Wallace Jackson Arnholt Elizabeth Johnson 12 Taylor Groom 13 Maggie Sheridan Brooke Huffman Bob Nichols 14 Wayne Puckett Gayle Maloney 15 Ashley (Wilson) Bender Roberta Eckert 16 Ann Troxler Rob Bearden

Mark Your Calendar!

Leadership Breakfast
Saturday, August 24th 9:00 a.m. in Drowota Hall
(more details to follow)
17 David Conrad Claire Drowota Houston Hartle Bray Martin Margaret Davidson 18 Linda Webb Judy Davis Kate Woodard Linda Whitson Zoe McKeever Laura Wasson Toby Gray Betty Johnson 19 Suzanne Nelson Christy Waller 20 Mark Cannon Bill Heyne Cathy Pierce Maggie Faber Brenton Lowe Mike Stewart Annalise Bacon 21 Richmond Williams Harriet Medlin Matthew White Justin Lowe 22 Dena Collins 23 None 24 Luke Schuyler Phillip Suiter Mia Rutledge Wilson Jackson Jay Everett Grant Smothers 25 Joann Tomlin Adam Knight Dai Wilson Linda Grace Perry 26 Ralph Parsons Charles A. Howell, IV Erica Sowell Hailey Wright Jeff King Mary Hawkins 26 (continued) Chloe Shaffer Cynthia Beck Caroline Hamburg 27 Robin Heyne Michael Wright Caroline Drury Macie Smitherman 28 Kathryn Gibson 29 John Michael Clark 30 Christian Heyne Joe Bandy 31 John Galloway Cathy Speers Johnson Brad Northcut

August 2012
1
Terri King Betsy Hendrick Angela McMillian Thompson Joyner 2 Luke Elliott Joyce White Josh Cheng Madison Rudd Heather Glasgow 3 Sissy Rogers Andrew Chelton Emily McKeever 4 Grace Lee Cristin Lewis Robyn Arab

Kitchen Renovation Complete!

Perhaps you have wandered by the WCC Kitchen this summer and noticed it in complete disarraycabinet doors removed, flooring pulled up and appliances missing. This kitchen renovation was a huge project which explains why it was only thought about for many years. Greatly lacking in functionality and seriously needing some updates, the Woodmont Property Committee (along with a few other folks) took-on this monumental project. After many hours/days of planning, on-site supervision and the actual ripping up, tearing out, cleaning, painting and putting-back.the project is complete! Among other things, the floor has been replaced, cabinets cleaned/painted and two beautiful stainless steel (movable) tables now reside where a dysfunctional island used to set. Nick Small, Chair of Property, has spent a huge amount of time at Woodmont this summer and has overseen this project to completion. We also want to thank Carol Parsons, Bette Jeffcoat, Marianne Rogers and Steve McHugh who spent many hours visioning and researching the improvements to be made. Carroll Wallace, who uses our kitchen the most, also provided input. In addition, Sam Marsh and the Housekeeping Staff spent significant time moving and cleaning fixtures. The ovens and exhaust vents/fans are spotless! Thanks to all of the above who assisted with this major project.we appreciate your vision and your hard work!

BEFORE...

AFTER!

Do You Enjoy Sewing?

If so, we can use your help! We have 12 bags of Walk Thru Bethlehem adult costumes that need to be sewn. Each bag contains one gown with the instructions on how to make the gown. Just come by the church office (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) to pick up as many bags as you like and return the costumes back to the office when finished. For further information, please contact Beth Sowell at 512-2242. Thanks so much!

WTB Costume Search

Do you still have a costume from Walk Thru Bethlehem 2012? We are looking for you! Please return it by Aug. 2, to the church office. You may request to have it held for you in the costume room to use during WTB 2013 by emailing Jan Anderson at standerson45@comcast.net or Beth Sowell at bethsowell@comcast.net. All costumes must be returned for inventory purposes. Let's mark all names off the costume returned list this year. Thank you! 5

Weekly Update
8/1 - Sophie Amrhein 8/1 - Webb Joyner

THIS WEEK AT WCC: Sunday, August 4 9:30 a.m. - Children's Moment 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 a.m. - Children's Church 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Service

Chi Rho Camp @ Bethany Hills July 21-26

Historical Video of WCC

Alan Nelson has created a 33 minute historical video of Woodmont that can be viewed on the website by entering or clicking on the following link: https://woodmontchristian.org/flexpage4.aspx For anyone who does not have access to the internet, we have a DVD copy of the video that can be picked up in SpireBooks on Sunday mornings. SpireBooks is located in the Gathering Hall and is open between the two morning services and after the 11:00 service.

Fall Kick-Off Picnic Friday, August 23 @ 6:00 p.m. On the South Hall Lawn

The deadline for articles and announcements to go in The Spire is Friday by Noon. Please send submissions to Kim at kadair@woodmontcc.org. Thanks! 6

www.WoodmontKids.com

Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, July 31 6:15 a.m. Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) Thursday, August 1 Library Workday 7:00 p.m. Restore Classes (200, Youth Rooms) Sunday, August 4 8:15 a.m. Elder Board Meeting (BR) 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 12:15 p.m. Intro to Woodmont (BR) 4:45 p.m. WCC Knitters (GH) 5:45 p.m. The Bridge Service (DH) Monday, August 5 4:00 p.m. "The Geezers" Men's Group (BR) 6:30 p.m. WCC Board Meeting (BR) Tuesday, August 6 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (CS) 6:30 p.m. Young Adults (Off-Campus)

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: New church leaders in their commitment to loyal service World leaders to have wisdom and discernment for the good of all Homebound members and new members to feel included God's continued presence and peace for all members

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

IN THE HOSPITAL: Mary Lou Thomas, mother of Lynn McDonald Pat Brown, mother of Christy Brown, McMinnville, TN Cindy McQueeney, sister of Deb LaForge, Seattle, WA NEW CONCERNS: Dennis Beck Earl Thomas, step-father of Lynn McDonald Bill Kelly, friend of Moulton Farrar CONTINUING CONCERNS: Betty Brent Emily Duncan Penny Stelling Gary Thompson Yot Williams Robert Mathews Peggy Johnson SYMPATHY TO: Jackie May and Ginger May and family on the death of Jackie's husband and Ginger's brother, Carl May. Mr. May passed away Sunday, July 28. Visitation will be Thursday, August 1 from 4:00 6:00 p.m. in the Gathering Hall at Woodmont. A memorial service will be on Friday, August 2 at noon, also at Woodmont. CONGRATULATIONS TO: Clay Perry and Colleen Casselton, who were married on Saturday, June 29, in Virginia Beach, VA. Clay is the son of Tim and Diane Perry; brother of Sarah and Linda Grace Perry; and grandson of Bill and Betty Johnson.

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.

MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Wade Gossett, brother of Becca Gossett Jeannette Miller, Claiborne-Hughes Clay Perry, son of Tim & Diane Perry Health Center Dan King & wife, Ashley King, brother Earl Milroy, brother-in-law of LuAnn and sister-in-law of Stephen Daniel & Mike Brent, Pine Bluff, AR King Jo Helen Railsback, friend of B. James Lowry, Vanderbilt THOSE SERVING ABROAD: William Daniel, father of Lisa Rollins, Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in Wisconsin Armenia Betty Barlow, mother of Beth Sowell, Courtney Valk, Peace Corp in Colorado Republic of Georgia Barb Vial, sister of Beth Sowell, Colorado *Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns will Catherine Pease, mother of Mary now only be listed for up to one month. If you Welsh Owen, Georgetown, IN wish to have a continuing concern remain on the list after one month, please renew your request Ty Coppinger, father of Shawn Haile
each month by calling the church office.*

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 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28 Sunday School 230 256 237 237 Total Atd. 665 683 775 643 Operating $ 20,648 $ 22,440 $ 46,104 $ 19,909

DEACON SCHEDULE
August 4, 2013
Communion Prep: Service Coordinator: Video Camera: Nora Rich 9:30 - TBA 11:00 - Rich Sanderson 9:30 - Leigh Ann Agee 11:00 - Nora Rich 5:45 p.m. Rich Sanderson Adam Sloan David Stewart Virginia Dinker Jay Everett Rebecca Everett

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

August 4, 2013

WORSHIP SERVICES: August 4, 2013 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m Rev. Clay Stauffer, preaching Why Jesus? Sermon Series: Sermon Title: "Greed Is Dangerous" Scripture: Luke 12:13-21 Rev. Trey Flowers, preaching "Through These Troubled Waters" Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

5:45 p.m. - The Bridge

Weekly Prayer Partner New Covenant Christian Church, Nashville, TN

9:30 a.m. Grant Smothers David Reynolds Cathy Williams Scott Holley Honey Hetzel L.A. Galyon Betty McHugh Liz Holley

11:00 a.m. Don Mitchell Deb LaForge Stuart Lackey Nick Small Pam Hardin Steven McGinty Bob Garrard Jennifer Lackey

9:30 a.m. Pat Malone and Kathy Patten 11:00 a.m. Anne Mitchell and Mart Sesler 5:45 p.m. Wendell Brown

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge" Thom Schuyler, Director of College & Young Adults Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Steven Austin, Housekeeping Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors for "The Bridge" Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Chris Beck, Finance Manager Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Ginny Tharp, Director of Preschool Kim Adair, Administrative Assistant Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property Manager - Housekeeping Supv.