Spire - December 16 2013

Mission Statement

Growing Disciples of Christ

by Seeking God, Sharing Love

and Serving Others

Core Values:

Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming 2013 Areas of Focus

Prayer - Presence - Peace

woodmontchristian.org

THE SPIRE A B e a c o n a n d A B r i d g e

Volume 41, Issue 50 December 16, 2013

Join us Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013 Worship Services: 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Please join us for “Lessons and Carols” at 7:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Gary Musick, as well as, the Norris Twins will sing at 7:00 p.m. At 11:00 p.m. the Chancel Choir will sing with solos by Catie Pratt and Cathy Anne Graham.

Both services will conclude with a candlelight communion celebration of the birth of Jesus.

5:00 p.m. This early family Christmas Eve Service is designed to welcome children of all ages. Included in the service are carols, scriptures, candlelight, and the telling of the Christmas story, all to help us recall the true reason we celebrate Christmas. Featured musicians will be Catie & Jeremy Pratt. (See more about this service on page 8)

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The Bridge Christmas Concert Saturday, December 14th

(See more pictures on page 5)

Sunday, December 15th

Welcome to Our

New Members!

Monty & John Steele with daughters, Marion Margaret "Mimi" and Elizabeth

Carols for Cancer

(See more pictures from Sunday on page 6)

www.woodmontchristian.org

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The Spire is published weekly by: Woodmont Christian Church (615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-9319 3601 Hillsboro Road email: [email protected] Nashville, TN 37215 Kim Adair, Editor Visit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org Copyright – 2013

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

We are now on the home stretch to Christmas. Christmas comes next Wednesday. I hope you will make plans to join us for one of our three Christmas Eve services – 5:00 p.m. (Children/Families), 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. (Lessons, Carols, Candlelight, Communion). These are some of the greatest services of the year. I recently started reading Eugene Peterson's memoir called The Pastor. Peterson is a Presbyterian pastor and theologian, also widely known for authoring the popular contemporary translation of the Bible called The Message. In the Introduction to his memoir, he says this: "I love being an American. I love this place in which I have been placed – it's languages, it's history, it's energy. But I don't love "the American way," its culture and values. I don't love the rampant consumerism that treats God as a product to be marketed. I don't love the dehumanizing ways that turn men, women, and children into impersonal roles and causes and statistics. I don't love the competitive spirit that treats others as rivals and even as enemies." In many ways Christmas time is a paradox. We are all called to find inner peace, joy, and love during one of the busiest and most stressful times of year. Not to mention, consumerism runs rampant and is at its peak. I have quoted Stanley Hauerwas a number of times this Advent season. There is great wisdom in his writings. In his book The Peaceable Kingdom, he says this about joy: "Joy is the disposition that comes from our readiness always to be surprised; or put even more strongly, joy is the disposition that comes from our realization that we can trust in surprises for the sustaining of our lives. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of learning to live joyfully is that we learn to see the simple and most common aspects of our existence, such as our friends, our spouses, our children, as sheer gifts to which we have no right but who are nonetheless present to us." I hope you've been surprised by joy this Christmas. I hope you have been able to experience some glimpses of inner peace. I hope you have been able to be fully present with family and friends, true gifts from God that we often take for granted. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and the world desperately needs that light. There is a lot of anger, hurt, hatred, greed, resentment and fear, but "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." On Walk Thru Bethlehem Sunday, we had a volunteer answering the phone for those who might call the church with questions. Apparently, one very angry and belligerent man in an apartment close by kept calling and yelling at our volunteer to turn down the sound of the bells playing Christmas Carols because they were annoying him. When I walked by to go get my costume on, the

volunteer asked me what she should tell him. I simply said, "Tell him Merry Christmas!"

Blessings,

Nominating Committee 2014

In November, the board approved the members of the nominating committee and nominations will be accepted between now and the end of January. This year, we will be electing one Chair-Elect (Cyril Stewart will begin his term as Chair in July), three At-Large Board Members, Five Elders, and Twenty-Five Deacons. Please be giving some thoughtful consideration to individuals you would like to see serve in these important leadership roles. This is a very important process in the life of our church and this group has a challenging task ahead so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. There are always many more candidates than available positions. The members of the 2014 Nominating Committee are:

Marcus Crider, Chair 292-5868/[email protected]

Karen Conrad 298-3735/[email protected]

Kasey Clymer 218-6634/[email protected]

Polly Keith 953-2700/[email protected]

Mary Kiger 414-8345/[email protected]

Anne Mitchell 834-4513/[email protected]

Steve McHugh 352-7669/[email protected]

Kathy Patten 269-0539/[email protected]

Bryan Sargent 832-8070/[email protected]

Rich Sanderson 370-8524/[email protected]

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love & 2014 Nominating Committee by Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

'Twas the night before Christmas from dark until day

Not a creature was stirring not even ol' Clay. The church folk had worked hard to help

Advent unfold; They worshipped and sang hymns and did what God told.

The Angel Tree gifts had now all been given, An expression of love that comes only from heaven. Volunteers built the Walk Through Bethlehem set,

And everyone agreed it was the best yet. The Sanctuary was decorated in its annual array

To help all the Woodmonters prepare for the Day. And the music they sang from "the Bridge" to the choir

Couldn't be equaled, the season to inspire. And Michael exclaimed with a voice full of glee, "I didn't hear one choir member singing off key!"

And Stephen and Andra strummed their guitar As they sang of the magi who came from afar.

The staff Christmas party was held on Wednesday At the beautiful home of Hal and sweet Faye.

They played "Dirty Santa" and fought for each gift, But no one got mad, there was nary a rift.

Then Santa appeared with a bunch of his elves; They made us all laugh, in spite of ourselves.

There was Batson, McHugh and David Conrad Seems Santa didn't care whether they were good or bad.

Then prancing and dancing was heard on the roof, The unmistaken sound of many a reindeer hoof.

Donder and Blitzen, Comet and Cupid… But the mess they left behind was just plain stupid. Then Santa said, "I'm in a predicament, you hear,

I need some good fella to clean up after my reindeer. Sam said, "No sir, I do draw the line;

But since Austin's semi-retired, he'll do just fine.

Then Santa announced, his chin all a-quiver, "I've got a bunch of gifts I need to deliver." The first gift he gave made everyone howl;

A Democratic pin for dear Julie Howell. Wayne Puckett said, "Santa, don't forget me!"

A dog sitter's license he got for Bailey. It was boyfriends for Linda and Beverly too.

"Santa," they said, "You're just too good to be true!" Tom Schuyler got charcoal; Tallu got a star.

Kim a day off, and Clay a new car. Dan Rudd said, "Santa, what about me?

I've been a good boy, as everyone can see." But Santa was ready for even this test –

Blonde, brunette, or red-head – whichever you request. When Santa was finished, … his giving complete,

The chairman of Personnel sprang to her feet. With a twinkle in her eye, and a Santa-like laugh,

Nicole gave huge Christmas bonuses to all of the staff. When the preacher heard that, he sprang to his feet

And let out a yell that could be heard down the street, No, … more than a yell, … it was a weird sounding scream,

"Don't anyone awake me; this must be a dream." And Clay told the Board, as they gathered that night,

"I know by this gift our budget must be right!" The staff made its plans for Christmas Eve night;

They wanted to end Advent just right. And Justin proclaimed in the midst of the others, "It's only right when it's ‘Sisters and Brothers'."

Then Santa knelt at the poor manger stall Knowing that God's gives the best gift of all.

If you've got any complaints about this unusual verse, You'd better not make them; it could get a lot worse.

And the little ol' ladies proclaimed with a tear, "We hope C Roy keeps his beard all next year!"

~Roy

Christmas at Woodmont 2013 by Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Church Life

"Many times giving is even more fun than receiving!" I heard these words recently listening at an outreach gathering I attended. It's true, isn't it? Giving is a gift to both the giver and the receiver. When we give, both parties share the feeling of love. This Advent season, we've been trying something new at Woodmont: The Minis-tree is an opportunity for you to give a gift to your church, by connecting to a ministry with a short term act of service.

The concept is similar to the "Angel Tree" that Woodmont supports each year, but instead of buying a gift, you are invited to give some hands-on time and ideas. Some of the projects require only an hour, while others ask for "a month of Sundays." It's a great way to build a relationship with the ministerial staff and meet people you might not have a friendship with yet. We are so excited about all the ways that the Minis-tree might knit us together for our 2014 programming. The Minis-tree is located in the Gathering Hall, and we invite you to come by and visit. Please take a card from the tree, and connect with us! We want to share in the joy of ministry with you.

~Andra

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Minis-Tree by Andra Moran, Creative Director for "The Bridge"

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Adult Education

9:30 a.m. Disciples Class (105) - Led by Roy Stauffer "Share the Love"

Challenge Class (200) - Led by Bob Herrick "Biblical Wisdom Literature"

Young Adult Class (Boardroom) - Led by Rob Quinn

Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer "Loving God with All Your Soul: Celtic Spirituality for the Woman of Today"

11:00 a.m. Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer

Reflections (200) - Led by Roy Stauffer "Sense the Wonder"

College & University-Aged Young Adults (107) Led by Thom Schuyler

Pathways Class for Parents (Boardroom) Led by Wendell & Christy Brown/Tom & Laura Dovan

Sunday School - December 22nd

Wednesday, December 18th 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Dodgeball Tournament (Drowota Hall)

Sunday, December 22nd 9:30-10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30-11:00 a.m. - Jubilation Youth Choir (Youth Wing) 11:00 a.m.-Noon - Sunday School (CYF/Chi Rho Rooms) 5:45-6:45 p.m. - The Bridge Service (Drowota Hall)

For more information visit www.WoodmontccYouth.com or follow us on Twitter @WoodmontCCYouth

Youth Group This Week

WCC Youth

Holiday Schedule - Building/Office Hours

Tuesday, December 24

8:30 a.m.-Noon

Wednesday, December 25

Closed

Tuesday, December 31

8:30 a.m.-Noon

Wednesday, January 1

Closed

** There will be No Spire printed the week of December 23. Please submit info for the following week by Friday, December 27 **

Give Us a Call! Please be sure to call us whenever you need meeting space – whether you have a group of 2 or 20. Our housekeeping staff relies on the master calendar to know who is in the building at all times. In addition, they need to be aware of rooms (and adjacent restrooms) being used so that space can be touched-up after use. Recently, alarms have been activated by folks leaving the building after the housekeeping staff has already locked/secured the building. When the alarm is activated after hours, a church member must respond and is often required to drive over to the church to address the issue. This is a huge building and it is difficult to monitor all the comings/goings. Putting your meeting/event on the calendar will ensure that we know you are in the building. Thanks for your help! Building Hours: Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please contact Kim Adair for space reservations: 297-8563 or [email protected]

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The Bridge Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 14th

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Sunday, December 15th

Leigh Ann Agee Book Signing - Moon Bound Girl

Farrell Mason Book Signing The Angel and the Raven

The Chancel Choir and Grace Notes Children's Choir accompanied

by a Chamber Orchestra presented Nativity by Michael Graham

at the 11:00 a.m. service

Carols for Cancer

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Group Details:

Journey to Freedom: Lay a foundation for change in the areas that keep you from reaching your full potential. 8 weekly discussions within small groups focused on fear, vision, grief, risk & hope. This 8-week Class is open to Men and Women and will meet Thursday nights 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning January 16, 2014. Cost is $96. Boundaries: Understand physical, mental, and emotional boundaries. Learn when to say “yes” and how to say “no” without losing yourself in the mix. Set limits and promote intimacy with Boundaries. Completing Journey to Freedom is a prerequisite for joining our 10 week Boundaries group. This 10-week Class is only open to Women and will meet Thursday nights 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning January 16, 2014. Cost is $120.

For questions and to sign-up for these classes please contact Erin Lennon, Restore Center Coordinator, at

[email protected] or 615-297-6529.

WINTER RESTORE GROUPS Save

the Date!

Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala November 8-15, 2014

Woodmont's Mission Team has set a date for the Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala! Based on the responses so far, we've chosen November 8-15, 2014. The total trip cost is $500 plus airfare, so an approximate cost of $1150 per person. Scholarship funds will be available for everyone; the amount will depend on the total number going. The Mission Team wanted to share this information now; much more to come in 2014! If you'd like additional info sooner, just give Emmie Thomas a call/email at 587-8149 or [email protected].

"WCC Demolition Derby" January 3rd and 4th

The plans are in place, and the youth wing is ready to be transformed! We are asking for as many volunteers as possible to join us for a work day on Friday, January 3rd, as we tear down the walls to make space for the new layout. Even if you are not a youth, we'd love to have you join us to swing a hammer and tear down some walls. Please mark off on your calendar all day Friday, January 3rd, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and Saturday, January 4th, (times TBA as needed depending on how much gets done Friday) for the first youth wing work day. Bring any of the following items if you have them: Shop vac Shovels (flat shovel or snow shovel) Hammers Crowbars Wire cutters

The church has generously given us the financial resources to renovate the youth wing. Please consider investing your time into this project as we get 100% ownership from each youth and parent (as well as any other volunteers) that will allow us to do even more with the renovation funds. We will also have at least one other work day down the road for painting.

Interested in Connecting with a Woodmont friend? Maybe a new friend?

Being a good listener, that shoulder just when it's needed? If so, mark your calendars for the first planning and organizational meeting of Tele-Connect.

Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom.

Tele-Connect

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This early family Christmas Eve Service is

designed to welcome children of all ages. All the normal signs of young children are present. Movement, outspoken voices, excitement and enthusiasm can be expected. Included in the

service are carols, scriptures, candlelight, and the telling of the Christmas story, all to help us recall the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Featured musicians will be Catie & Jeremy Pratt.

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THIS WEEK AT WCC:

Sunday, December 22nd 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

COMING UP:

Tuesday, December 24th

Christmas Eve Services

5:00 p.m. Families with Young Children 7:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols & 11:00 p.m. with Candlelight Communion

Sunday School Lessons & Volunteers December 22nd

9:30 Hour

ChristQuest Ronda Hirst

Stars (2 Yrs) Advent Claire Drowota Jane Clay Meadors

Pandas (3 Yrs) Advent Christi Williams Sarah Drury

9:30 Hour

Frogs (4 Yrs) Meeting the Christ Child Kim Sheridan Gloria/Joy Jackson Monkeys (5 Yrs/K) Meeting the Christ Child Laurie Cooper Angela McMillin

11:00 Hour

Children's Church Kaitlyn Asher Sarah Drury

4th/5th Grade Class Topher Endress

Donuts & Coffee Still Needed

12/22 - Ellie Soares 12/22 - Caroline Wills

www.woodmontkids.com

Bulletin Board

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Opportunities at Woodmont

Wednesday, December 18 6:15 a.m.

Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m.

Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR)

6:00 p.m. Youth Group- Dodgeball

Tournament (DH) 6:30 p.m.

Choir Practice (CR); Stephen Ministry (107, Library & Campbell Stone)

Thursday, December 19 Library Workday

7:00 p.m. Restore Classes (200 & Youth Rooms)

Sunday, December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School

9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary)

4:45 p.m. WCC Knitters (GH)

5:45 p.m. The Bridge (DH)

Monday, December 23 4:00 p.m.

"The Geezers" Men's Group (BR)

Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Church Office/Building Closes at Noon

Will Re-Open at 4:00 p.m. for the following Services:

5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service for Families with Young Children (Sanctuary)

7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with Lessons &

Carols and Candlelight Communion (Sanctuary) 11:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service with Lessons & Carols and Candlelight Communion

(Sanctuary)

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day

Office/Building Closed

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.

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: Members who are sick or homebound Members who are experiencing difficult circumstances this holiday season Our military, especially those separated from their families during the

holidays All to receive the joy that comes by knowing and serving Christ Jesus

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY IN THE HOSPITAL: Donnie Meadows, Father of Donna Meadows Ron Stuve, friend of Karen & David Conrad, Vanderbilt ICU NEW CONCERN: Lee Lemke, father of Paul Lemke, West Salem, IL CONTINUING CONCERNS: Sue Montgomery Maurice Pinson Mike Wright Gary Thompson Maddie Murphy

Robert Mathews, The Meadows Jeannette Miller, Claiborne-Hughes Health Center Ann Sitton, mother of Brad Sitton & grandmother of Justine and Jocelyn Sitton Ted & Nancy Hammonds Shuman, family of Susan Hammonds-White Betsy Gerringer, friend of Richard Lowe Ann Erwin, friend of Patricia Taylor

Continuing Concerns continued…

Lorene Schroeder, friend of Gail Crockett Roger Dale Brown, friend of Park & Mary Welsh Owen Jennifer Ward, daughter of Janice Ward, Oxford, MS Dr. David Moore, friend and former WCC Sr. Minister, Cookeville David Kline, friend of Don Rollins Jimmy Gurley, friend of Clay Stauffer Justin Johnson, son of Anona Johnson GIVE THANKS: Penny Stelling MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Clay Perry, son of Tim & Diane Perry Dan King & wife, Ashley King, brother and sister-in-law of Stephen Daniel King THOSE SERVING ABROAD: Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in Armenia Courtney Valk, Peace Corp in Republic of Georgia

If life is getting you down and you need a Christian friend to listen, that is just what Stephen Ministers are trained to do. Please call Kathy Patten at 838-4957 to discuss the possibility of this being the help you need.

PLEASE - NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE SANCTUARY

Non-Profit Organization U S Postage

PA ID Nashville, Tennessee

Permit No. 1204

Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 615.297.8563 woodmontchristian.org

Return Service Requested

UPHOLDING OUR CHURCH

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, Missions and Outreach Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, Director of TNFP

Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Ben Saunders, Ministerial Intern Topher Endress, Ministerial Intern Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse Ginny Tharp, Director of Preschool Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Kim Adair, Administrative Assistant Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Chris Beck, Finance Manager Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Steven Austin, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property Manager - Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Housekeeping Supv. Creative Directors for "The Bridge"

DEACON SCHEDULE December 22, 2013

Communion Prep: Nora Rich Service Coordinator: 9:30 - Don Mitchell 11:00 - Nick Small Video Camera: 9:30 - Nicole Clayton 11:00 - Nora Rich

9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:45 p.m. Kasey Clymer Rich Sanderson Rich Sanderson Mark Clymer Deb LaForge Mary Kiger Gerard Stranch Cathy Williams Glenn Kiger Roy Jordan Doug Schoerke Virginia Dinker Denise Sesler Talbott Ottinger Merillat Flowers Jack Derryberry Monte Good Marcella Derryberry Sandra Kyne Liz Anne Allen Jean Ramsey

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

December 22, 2013

9:30 a.m. Hal Tevebaugh

and Mart Sesler

11:00 a.m.

Anne Mitchell and

Richmond Williams

5:45 p.m. Chip Phinizy Weekly Prayer Partner

First Christian Church, Clarksville, TN

WORSHIP SERVICES: December 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Rev. Clay Stauffer, preaching Sermon Title: "The Spiritual Side of Christmas"

Scripture: John 1:1-14; I John 4:7-12

5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Trey Flowers, preaching Sermon Title: "Loving in Starlight"

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

BY OUR PRESENCE AND OUR GIFTS

Date Sunday School Total Atd. Operating November 24 310 863 $ 43,421 December 1 254 786 $ 87,171 December 8 WTB 962 $ 30,902 December 15 282 889 $ 95,618

Spire - December 16 2013

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