The Spire

July 26, 2016

See page 6 inside for more information.

In This Edition
Articles:
Clay Stauffer, pg 2
Michael Graham, pg 2
Ashley Buchanan, pg 3
Justin Gung, pg 4
Intro to the Elders, pg 3
Calendar & Cares, pg 5
News, pg 6
Upholding Our Church,
back cover

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Core Values
Welcoming
Outstanding worship
Outreach
Different traditions
Mission and ministry
On the move
Nurturing
Transforming

Special Performances at Woodmont Homecoming Sunday During

9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Services

Mission
Statement
Growing Disciples
of Christ by
Seeking God,
Sharing Love, and
Serving Others.
Woodmont Christian Church 615.297.8563 www.woodmontchristian.org 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, Tennessee 37215

Life and Meaning

On Sunday August 14th,
Homecoming Sunday, our morning
schedule will change slightly. We
will now have three options for
worship with the Bridge moving
to the morning at 9:45 a.m. That
will give our congregation three
worship options to choose from:
9:30 (Informal in the Sanctuary),
9:45 a.m. (Contemporary in Drowota Hall), and 11:00 a.m.
(Traditional in the Sanctuary).
Our main childrens Sunday School hour will remain at
the same time which is one of the big reasons we decided on
the 9:45 time slot (so children from both services can attend).
The same message will be preached at all three services
starting that day. The service you chose to attend is less
important than whether or not you worship because worship
is one of the most important things we do as Christians.
All of our services are unique and appeal to different
people for different reasons. We are proud to be a church
that offers all three. It will be very important as we move the
Bridge to the morning that our leaders and congregation
go to support it and try it out. In fact, it is important that we
support all three services because all three are unique and
are a part of Woodmont.
Why does worship matter? How does it make a difference
in our lives? Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, A person will
worship something, have no doubt about that. We may
think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of
our hearts, but it will come out. That which dominates our
imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and
our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what
we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming.
A.W. Tozier said, Without worship, we go about life
miserable. I am convinced that as human beings, we are
wired to worship something. And if we dont worship God,
we will worship all kinds of things in this worldmoney,

P.S. Thank you

for the prayers,
cards, gifts, food,
and thoughts since
our son Wade was
born July 11th. He
doing great and we
are getting used to
life with three!

Save some for later

Our almost five year old
granddaughter has developed a habit
that I really like. When snacking, she
eats until satisfied and then saves the
remainder for later. I suppose it is the
wise waste not, want not attitude
that appeals to me. I tend to consume
all now with the hope of consuming
more later, but then, Nettie is not
overweight and I could stand to lose a few...
There is a part of worship that, by its very nature, is difficult
to digest in one sitting- the singing of hymns. Hymn phrases,
like video game screens, come toward us with rapid succession,
often too quickly to process and certainly with little chance
for meditation. By the time you sing a thought with potential
healing or resonance of praise to God, you encounter the next
tetris shape falling ever faster. Even if we make it to the end
of the game with a wonderful treasure, the following worship
experience calls us to leave it behind.

by Clay Stauffer

possessions, houses, cars, prestige, power, social status,

political figures, alcohol, drugs, sex, sports, other people,
the stock market, and the list continues. What happens in
worship? Many things.
A few years ago, I presented an acronym based on the
word WORSHIP. We are WELCOMING others and making new
friends. We are OFFERING our lives to God. We are REJOICING.
We are SINGING and having a time for SILENCE. We HEAR the
Word of God and the voice of God. We are INSPIRED to serve,
change, and make a difference in the world. And we take the
time to PRAY, individually and communally. Regular Worship
makes a difference in our lives. Its good for the soul.
As summer begins to draw to a close and we turn towards
the fall, I invite you to think about why worship is important
and why we all need it on a regular basis. We are very excited
to begin this new Sunday Schedule on August 14th. On that
day, I will begin a new sermon series called The Heart of
Christianity, largely based on the Sermon on the Mount.
We are also excited to announce the launching of our
new website next week. It will be user friendly, contain lots
of information, and I am grateful to Sara for all the work she
has put into it.
Blessings,

by Michael Graham

The truth is, we are not meant to finish hymns. Although

they often minister on the spot, they are equally useful as
a leftover, remembered and enjoyed later. That is why it is
important to sing them until they become a part of our spiritual
pantry to visit when we are hungry. Most of us have taken
comfort with a portion of a hymn that brought a satisfying
truth to mind. In that sense, hymns are similar to scripture and
indeed, are most often based on or inspired by Gods word.
Many scriptures encourage us to sing psalms and hymns.
Like all of Gods instructions, this one is also for our benefit. The
physical, mental and emotional act of singing inputs the words
into the subconscious, a ziplock storage for later consuming.
The blessed Holy Spirit calls these treasures to mind as needed.
Next time you sing an unfamiliar hymn with a little difficulty,
rejoice. It may soon become one of your favorite snacks, just the
thing to take care of that spiritual craving.

pg 2

In Honor of Gus Stranch

On Thursday, June 30, I received
a phone call with some distressing
news: Gus Stranch was being
rushed to the hospital. Earlier in the
day, Gus, age 8, had seen his primary
care physician, who decided to take
a sample of Gus blood and test it.
A few hours later, the doctor called
Patty, Gus mom. The results are
back, the doctor said, and theres a chance that Gus has
leukemia. A team of doctors is waiting for you at Vanderbilt
Childrens Hospital. Go there immediately.
When I heard this news, I dropped everything and rushed
to the hospital. I parked whether legally or illegally, I will
not say and sprinted into the building. I hurried to the
front desk and said, Im looking for Gus Stranch. The man
at the desk began typing. Ill look for a record of him in my
computer. Whats his last name again?
Stranch. S-T-R-A-N-C-H.
More typing. Whats his first name?
Gus, I said, still catching my breath.
There was a pause. Is that his given name? From past
experience, I knew why this man had to ask this question.
According to law, he needed me to provide the patients full,
given name in order to disclose further information. Medical
centers arent allowed to divulge private information to just
anyone who asks.
Oh. Well, no. Gus isnt his given name, of course. After a
moment, I said, Its... Its... I think its Augustus.
I breathed deeper. I was confident that I was right because
Ive handled paperwork with Gus name on it before. But to
my chagrin, the man behind the desk maintained his poker
face. Apparently, I was wrong! Augustus Stranch wasnt his
given name!
I began to feel desperate. I wanted to know where Gus
was. I wanted to see him with my own two eyes. I wanted to
hug his parents and grandparents and aunt and uncle and
cousins. I wanted to know Gus precise condition. But first I
needed to know where he was. And to know where he was,
I needed his full, given name. Until I could provide that, the
man behind the desk couldnt provide any information.
Just then, I heard a voice behind me: Mr. Justin!
I wheeled around. Gus! I exclaimed. Gus was standing
right behind me, tapping me on the shoulder. It turns out
that I had arrived at the hospital before him, so, when
he and his family walked through the door, they saw me
standing there with my back to them.
I felt relievedecstatic, even! I wrapped Gus up in a hug.
Were it not for his urgent need to see a doctor, I may not
have let him go.
Later, when I thought about this episode, my mind drifted
to the book of John. I encourage you to re-read chapter
20 with me. After his crucifixion, Jesus body was laid in a

by Justin Gung

tomb that was newly hewn from stone. Three days later,
Mary Magdalene went to that tomb to pay her respects. But
when she arrived, she was met with a shock: Jesus wasnt
there! The door was open! The tomb was empty!
Mary Magdalene sat staring into the dark tomb. She
was confused by its emptiness, panicked by the scene, and
mournful because she assumed that someone had stolen
the body of the one who had exorcised her demons and
forever changed her life.
But there was something that she did not know. The
one whom she was seeking was standing behind her with, I
imagine, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. When Jesus called
her name, she experienced clarity: Mary! When his voice
hit her eardrums, it dawned on her that Jesus was alive. She
threw herself at his feet and clung to him tightly. She had
lost him once and didnt intend to lose him again!
Friends, can these episodes impart any wisdom to us? I
believe so. Sometimes, when God seems missing from the
scene, hes really and truly there. Sometimes, when God
seems absent, hes actually and factually present. In truth,
hes nearer than we think! Hes only just behind us!
In the course of ones life, there may be experiences that
cause a person to wonder: Where is God? For example,
Where was God when my marriage came apart? Where
was God when my career was on the rocks? Where was God
when my child became sick? Such questions are only natural.
But, sometimes, the one we seek is very close. All we
need is to turn around, open our senses, and see with
the eyes of faith. In fact, just hours before his crucifixion,
Jesus promised to send his Spirit to his disciples, so that his
presence might always be with them (John 14:16-17). And
just hours after his resurrection, Jesus made good on that
promise (John 20:22).
My prayer is that God
grants each one of us the
faith to believe this vital
truth. In the times when
God seems curiously
absent or maddeningly
missing, may we believe,
from the bottom of our
hearts, that God is with
us still. Whats more, he is
faithful to us and totally
devoted to our good.
I pray that each one of
us comes to believe this
vital truth. But there is
one person in particular
for whom I pray this
prayer. His name?
Justin & Gus at the Stranch
Daniel Augustus Stranch.
Home, July 2016
pg 3

Ashley Buchanan

The Youth Group here

at Woodmont is one of
the best groups of young
people Ive ever been a part
of. Graduating last year and
getting to come back as an
intern this summer has shown
me that this group has a spirit
that you cant find anywhere
else. And the kids have a lot to
do with it, but so do the volunteers. The adults who give
their time and energy to each youth are the life-changers.
For me, small groups during Youth Group on Sunday
nights were the time where I knew I could bring my
burdens or my joys and be supported in ways that I
needed. The Adult Sponsors play silly games with the
youth, uplift them, pray for them, and are amazing

role models for each young man and woman that walk
through that door each Sunday night.
Being an adult volunteer for the Youth Group could
change your life and help change the lives of the youth
here at Woodmont. Its one of the most rewarding things
to be able to see the future of this church because I can
assure you, the youth are thoughtful, energetic, and really
will change your life in the best way possible! - Ashley
Email Katie@woodmontcc.org to learn more about
what you can do to help support the Youth! Ashley
Buchanan served as the Youth Group Summer Intern
while on break from TCU.
Youth Groups kick off party is 8/14 and regular
youth group, Sunday nights from 6:15-8pm will start the
following week, 8/21!

Introducing the Elders of Woodmont Christian Church

So far weve met Rich Sanderson and Mary Kiger as well as John Hobby and Fran Stewart. This week we introduce to
you Tim Perry and Pam Richardson.
In the life of Woodmont Christian, we are graced with Elders that watch over the spiritual health and growth of our
congregation. Our Elders our dedicated to teaching,shepherdingand offering prayer for our community.

Tim Perry

Pam Richardson

Tim Perrys faith is simply

and solely based upon the
authority of the scriptures of
the New Testament and the
grace bestowed by God upon
all people who believe and
accept His son, Jesus Christ,
as their Savior. In Joining
Woodmont Christian Church in
1981 he found a beautiful church family of believers who,
while occasionally expressing differences with regard to
contemporary social and cultural issues, remained steadfast
in the shared belief of Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. He
strives to cultivate and maintain this environment within
Woodmont Christian today. He is a past Deacon and
Elder, Worship Division Chairman, Director of Junior High
Sunday School and a participant in Leadership Woodmont.
He has been in the food industry most all his adult life in
sales management of multiple national brands sold to
retail grocery and broadline food service distributors. He
currently is Product Manager, Consumables, for TRICOR,
Nashville, TN. He is married to Diane (Johnson) Perry who
was raised in Woodmont. Diane teaches First Grade at
Franklin Road Academy in Nashville. They have 3 grown
children: Clay Perry, Sarah Langhans and Linda Grace
Stephens. In his down time, Tim enjoys running, playing
golf, and loves to fish..
Tims contact information:
email: john.perry2007@comcast.net cell: (615) 739-0032
pg 4

A focus on God and

church has always been
an integral part of Pams
life. She was raised in a
conservative
Church
of
Christ congregation here in
Nashville and educated at
Christian schools operated
by that denomination. Pams
husband, Al, was raised here in Nashville and comes
from a Methodist background. They became members
of Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee,
just after their daughter, Grace, was born in 1984. After
moving back to Nashville in 1987, the Richardsons placed
their membership at Woodmont.
Woodmont is a special place that has allowed Pam
unique opportunities to grow spiritually while serving
God and her fellowman. Pam says, I am humbled to be
selected to serve a second term as elder and look forward
to getting to know the many new members now part of
WCC.
Pam teaches twelfth grade English at Hillsboro High
School and spends her spare time reading, traveling, and
playing with her granddaughters, Hannah and Maggie.
Pams contact information:
email: pammierich@comcast.net cell: (615) 945-4334

Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, July 31
9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Worship Services, Sanctuary. Baptism - 9:30 worship.
Sunday School Classes
12:15 p.m.
New Elder Training, Boardroom
5:15 p.m.
The Bridge Worship, Drowota Hall
Monday, August 1
4:00 p.m.
"Geezers" Men's Group, Boardroom
Tuesday, August 2
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone
Wednesday, August 3
6:15 a.m.
Men's Small Group, Room 100
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study, Room 105

Younger Men's Bible Study, Boardroom
5:30 p.m.
Gospel Singing/Picking and Playing, Room 105
6:30 p.m.
Potluck Dinner, Drowota Hall
Thursday, August 4
Library Workday

The Elders of Woodmont Ask That You Join Them in Prayer for:
The firefighters in the West attempting to put out the massive fires
and those who have lost homes and have been injured.
The Food Project and the renovations of South Halls kitchen and
building.
Peace and harmony in our Country.
Students and teachers getting ready for the new school year.
Those who are injured and killed and live in fear from the terrorist
attacks around the world.

Prayers for Our Church Family

IN THE HOSPITAL:
Ray Dickerson, St. Thomas West, Neuro ICU. No
visitors, please.
John and Margaret Thompsons daughter,
Frances, St. Thomas Midtown NICU
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Daisy Reynolds, mother of Julia Reynolds
William F. Carpenter Jr.
Beth Meador
Gus Stranch, son of Gerard and Patty Stranch
Natasha Rollins
Moulton Farrar
Gloria Jackson
Sallye Galloway
Clare Anne Carpenter
Al Richardson
Joe Taylor
Sue Montgomery
Joyce Stanley, Jan Andersons sister
Carol Parsons
Barrett Sutton
Clay Perry, son of Diane and Tim Perry,
grandson of Betty and Bill Johnson, Seattle
Martha Hobby
Ben Cherry
MILITARY:
Toby Logsdon, friend of John and Sallye
Galloway, Middle East

Happy August Birthdays!

Betsy
Terri
Angela
Luke
Heather
Madison
Joyce
Andrew
Jerri
Sissy
Robyn
Grace
Cristin
Beth
Patrick
Cindy
Bill

Hendrick
Joyner
King
McMillin
Elliott
Glasgow
Rudd
White
Chelton
Malloy
Rogers
Arab
Lee
Lewis
Cashion
Quinn
Walker
Alford

Joyce
Burton
Ellen Cochran III
Michelle McWhorter
Lizzy
White Seymour
Robbie
Sinks
Marcella Derryberry 7
Leah
Harwell
Matthew
Miccioli
Chris
Paisley
Elizabeth
Regen
Marisa
Taveau
Jennifer
Walker
Billy Hamburg 8
Pat
Malone
Caroline
Bacon 9
Alberta
Martin
Tallulah
Quinn
Natasha
Rollins

Isse
Annie
John
Amanda
Diann
Jackson
Beth
Saramac
Taylor
Brooke
Robert
Maggie
Frederic
Gayle
Roberta
Rob
Anne
David

Waddey
Hendrick
Hobby
Howell
Tennyson
Arnholt
Johnson
Wallace
Groom
Huffman
Nichols
Sheridan
Burks
Maloney
Eckert
Bearden
Troxler
Conrad

10

11

12
13

14
15
16
17

Margaret
Claire
Houston
Bray
Judy
Toby
Betty
Laura
Linda
Linda
Suzanne
Christy
Annalise
Mark
Maggie
Bill
Brenton
Mike

pg 5

Davidson
Justin
Drowota
Harriet
Hartle
Martin
Dena
Davis 18 Carson
Gray
Meredith
Johnson
Corinne
Wasson
Ricki
Webb
Jay
Whitson
Wilson
Nelson 19
Mia
Waller
Grant
Bacon 20 Phillip
Cannon
Dai
Faber
Cynthia
Heyne
Caroline
Lowe
Mary
Stewart
Charles

Lowe
Medlin
Williams
Collins
Ray
DeVault
Smith
Adkins
Everett
Jackson
Rutledge
Smothers
Suiter
Wilson
Beck
Hamburg
Hawkins
Howell

21

Bryan
Jeff
Ralph
22
Chloe
Erica
23 Hailey
Lauren
24 Caroline
Robin
Avery

Keane
King
Parsons
Shaffer
Sowell
Wright
Clanton 27
Drury
Heyne
Ray

Macie

Mike
John
Michael
25
Joe
26
John
Cathy
Brad

Wright
Clark 29
Bandy 30
Galloway 31
Johnson
Northcut

Introduction to Woodmont is our free monthly

luncheon. Visitors and members are invited to join
our ministers for lively conversation in a relaxed
atmosphere while enjoying a delicious lunch.
Guests get to ask questions, meet new people, and
find out about church life at Woodmont. In addition
to learning about what it means to be a part of the
Woodmont family, we also talk about our beliefs,
values, and community. Many people make the
decision to become members of Woodmont at the
luncheon.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. To
RSVP visit: http://bit.ly/intro2wcc or call 615-2978563.
Jim Schleicher returns! Jim is an excellent speaker
and accomplished marriage and family counselor.
He is best known for his straight-forward, direct
approach to family problems. He has been
practicing marriage and family counseling for over
40 years, with his primary focus on marriage issues,
struggling adolescents, and parent consultations.
Come hear Jim speak right after 5 Star Dinner.
Speaking Topics:
9/14 Anxiety in Families: The Epidemic is Here
9/21 Married with Children: What Works,
What Doesnt
9/28 Fostering Empathy and Resilience

DivorceCare is led by Janet Wall and Anne

Stauffer. At our meetings, you will find
encouragement and support through videos and
honest discussion. You will learn how to deal with
your past and rebuild your future. We provide
a safe, confidential and healing environment.
Anyone affected by separation, divorce, or the
trauma of breakup is welcome.
$20 Materials/workbook fee with scholarships
available. Located in the Bay Room, downstairs
next to the kitchen.
For more information and to register visit http://
bit.ly/wccdivorce or call the church office, 615297-8563.
The Bridge - join us this Sunday, July
31st at 5:15 for a very special evening!
The Bridge welcomes Dr. Rip Patton,
one of the original Freedom Riders,
as our guest speaker.
Well hear directly from Dr. Patton
about his activist work, and how
important it is to stand up for
justice in nonviolent protest. You
can read more about the freedom
riders and Dr. Patton at http://bit.ly/
mrrippatton
pg 6

New Website is Coming!

We are looking forward to the official launch of our new website! Weve revamped the site to be mobile responsive,
easy to navigate, interactive, engaging, informative, and inspirational. Some of the features include: easy online
giving, registration, reservations, and sign ups; blog posts, articles, social media integration, a small group finder,
volunteer opportunities and mission/outreach opportunities, Wednesday evening fellowship, Sunday school, staff
and leadership profiles, videos, photos, information on whats happening on Sundays, information for new visitors,
information about Woodmont and who we are, information about the Disciples of Christ denomination, an updated
events driven calendar, and much more!
When the site goes live, we will send an email as well as post to twitter #Woodmonttweets, Facebook/woodmontchristianchurch,
and instagram #woodmontchrsitianchurch.
Most of all, our hope is that the new site brings people closer to Jesus Christ, provides a welcoming introduction to Woodmont
so that people visit more often, and fulfills our mission: Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love, and Serving
Others.

Starting Sunday August14th Woodmont will Offer Three Morning Worship Options!
9:30 a.m. Worship Childrens moment
photo taken from the chancel area.

Below - 11:00 a.m. Worship with the

Chancel Choir - photo taken from
the balcony.

9:45 a.m. The Bridge Worship in Drowota Hall

9:30 a.m. Our informal service in the sanctuary with a Childrens Moment and varying music and
performances.
9:45 a.m. The Bridge Worship (previously at 5:15 p.m.), a contemporary worship experience in
Drowota Hall with the Bridge Band and a relaxed atmosphere.
11:00 a.m. Our traditional service in the sanctuary with the full Chancel Choir and organ.
pg 7

July 31, 2016 Elders and Deacons Serving

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Date

Sun. School Total Atd.

Deacons Serving

Elders Serving

Operating

Communion Prep: Barbara Sullivan

Service Coordinator:
9:30 a.m. - Jerry Johnson
11:00 a.m. - Laurie Hester

9:30 a.m.
Marcus Crider
and
Alan Sowell
11:00 a.m.
Jack Derryberry
and
Marcella Derryberry

July 3

199

535

$48,962

July 10

265

867

$57,196

July 17

265

726

$50,124

July 24

253

742

$29,079

Video Camera/Photos:
9:30 a.m. - Bette Christofersen
11:00 a.m. - Jim Hester

Worship Services July 31, 2016

9:30 & 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship
Roy Stauffer, Preaching
The Blessing of Friends
Genesis 2:18a; I Samuel 18:1-3
A SPECIAL EVENING at The Bridge
5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall
The Bridge welcomes Dr. Rip Patton, one of the
original Freedom Riders, as our guest speaker.
See page 6 for more information.

9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
Jonathan Farmer
Don Hart
Christy Brown
Ellen Cochran
Patricia Taylor Marcie Anderson
Rob Cochran
Becca Robinson
Anne Arney
William Liles
Mike Robinson
Judy Davis
Jenny Holder
Christine Reed
Mike McConnell
Don Rollins
Billy Crawford
Aaron Durbin
Peggy Burrham Josephine Durbin

Hospital Marcus Crider

5:15 p.m.
Mark Drury

NEW SUNDAY 8:30 AM

BIBLE STUDY CLASS COMING
August 21st!
Beginning on August 21st a new Bible study group will meet in
Room 105. Join other interested adults who will be looking at the
New Testament first in Matthew using Life Lessons: The Gospel of
Matthew by Max Lucado as a study guide.
Books are available in the Spire bookstore and are formatted for
individual study followed by group discussion on Sunday mornings.
Coffee and pastries will be available at 8:15 prior to the 8:30 start
time. Childcare will be provided.
Contact Kathy Patten with questions - kathy.s.patten@gmail.com

Staff Serving Woodmont

Ministerial Staff
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life

Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse
Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Katie Sheridan Gossage, Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Tallu Schuyler Quinn, Director, The Nashville Food Project
Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Mark DeVries, Youth Group Interim Director and Consultant
Thom Schuyler, Director of Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Andra Moran, Creative Director, The Bridge & Stephen Daniel King, Worship Musician

Support Staff

Chris Beck, Business Administrator

Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
MacKenzie Baldwin, Administrative Assistant
Mandy Barton Brown, Executive Assistant
Sam Marsh, Property & Facilities Manager
Russell Davis, Accompanist
Abbey McLean, Childrens Ministry
For assistance please call the church office at 615.297.8563 or email info@woodmontcc.org.
www.woodmontchristian.org