August 18th, 2014 Volume 43, Issue 24

In This IssueFrom Your Pastoral Staff:• Justin Gung 2• Farrell Mason 3In & Around Woodmont 4 Woodmont Youth 6Woodmont Kids 7Events & Announcements 8Classes 9Bulletin Board 11Upholding Our Church back cover

Core Values

The SpireAugust 17 - Amy Lipsky joined WCC at The Bridge

left to right - Trey Flowers, Amy Lipsky and Andra Moran

Welcome New Members!

Join Us at 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 3rd for Mission WednesdaysEnjoy Dinner, a Brief Worship Service, and Learn About How Our

Outreach and Mission Work Positively Impacts Our Community and the Lives of Others. Reservations are requested, more details on page 5.

Volume 43, Issue 24

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One night last week, before going to bed, I read a fascinating passage from the Old Testament book of Numbers. The book of Numbers recounts the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, a forty year trek “through many dangers, toils, and snares” as the ’ol hymn goes. In this passage, Moses, the leader of the Israelites, is at the

end of his rope. He has led (some might say “carried”) them on this long and arduous journey, dealing the whole time with their grumbling, doubt, and sin. They’ve been lost in the desert for forty years, yet the waywardness of their feet is nothing compared to the waywardness of their hearts. For Moses, the burden of leading the nation proves to be crushing. He’s driven to such despair that he cries out to the Lord: “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?” To state the obvious, Moses is in anguish. In fact, I found his prayer arresting: “I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight.” Yep. You read that right. Moses’ life has become so painful that he looks on death with longing. I read to the end of the chapter, closed the book, and turned out the light. Sadly, eerily, before the sun had set on another day, Robin Williams had died by suicide. When the news broke, it “broke” my heart. Robin Williams starred in some of my favorite movies, Dead Poets’ Society and Good Will Hunting chief among them. How could this singular talent, this living legend, this cultural luminary be dead? How could this person, who exuded such joy, have secretly held such pain? How could this man, who seemed larger than life, have taken his own? For many, life is fraught with difficulty: physical sickness, workplace stress, financial hardship, relational turmoil, spiritual emptiness, besetting sin, and more. We are all getting an education in the School of Hard Knocks. Some are earning advanced degrees. Is it any wonder, then, that a person would sometimes feel sad, anxious, or depressed? Sometimes the burdens of life are too much for a person to bear alone. So, let me take this opportunity to remind us all that the church is meant to be a community of compassion and that, within the church, there are several ways to find safe harbor when the storms of life are raging and your little boat is blown.

First of all, if you get involved in a Sunday School class, small group, or ministry team, you’re almost sure to form friendships that’ll become some of your most treasured. Who knows? You may find that “go to” person that you call in time of need... and become that person for another. Additionally, the church is extremely blessed to have an outstanding team of Stephen Ministers, led by Doug King and Kathy Patten. Each one is expertly trained to care for those in spiritual, emotional, or psychological pain. Of course, the church also has several ordained ministers who are able to provide pastoral care. We are humbled that you trust us with your hurts and hope that our touch is tender. Finally, you may feel that you’d benefit from some higher-level counseling. In this case, I invite you to contact me. I’m currently working toward a Master’s Degree in counseling and interning at the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee based at Vine Street Christian Church. I’d be honored to meet with you. Let me tell you how this episode in the life of Moses ends. When Moses expresses his despair, the Lord responds. Wisely, mercifully, graciously, the Lord says: “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of the people... and let them take their stand there with you. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.” Friends, hear this plea. Do not suffer alone or in secret as Robin Williams did. If you’re hurting, avail yourself of the church’s help. Let the church “take a stand there with you.” Let the church “bear the burden with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.” My earnest prayer is that, just like the story of Moses, your story may have a joyful ending, too.

by Justin GungIn Memory of Robin Williams

August 18, 2014

The Spire • pg. 3

Dear Woodmont, I would like to invite you to join the Bread and Honey community! Two years ago I had the idea to use technology to help me further my ministry in reaching as many people as possible with the message of Hope. I created the Bread and Honey blog as a place for people to come each week to nourish their minds, bodies,

and spirits. In my almost seven years at Woodmont I have had the privilege of getting to know so many of you. I have watched you experience the full pendulum of Life—the joys and the sorrows. What I have realized is that part of living a life of faith requires, in the ups and the downs, that we nourish our souls. It’s the secret to truly living lives that are worthy, make a difference in the world, and fulfill the destiny that God has uniquely set before each of us. Bread and Honey aspires to encourage a more sacred experience of living here on earth. Each Monday morning, I post quotes, spiritual

meditations, book reviews, theological reflections, prayers, poems, recipes, each and all, meant to inspire and feed the soul. You can visit the website and/or sign up for the weekly email delivered directly into your inbox! Currently, we have almost 700 people feasting each week on Bread and Honey! But, there is room for so many more at the table! This Fall I am excited to announce that Bread and Honey will be posting audio prayers, videos of recipes from my kitchen, and interviews with people that I admire about the holy intersection of faith and life! When it is all said and done, Bread and Honey’s mission is to encourage all to Live in Hope!

Love,Farrell

P.S. All you have to do is go to the Bread and Honey blog: www.breadandhoneyblog.net and type in your email in the top left corner! Then, share the love by signing up family, friends, work colleagues, anyone that you know who could use a little bread and honey love!

WWW.BREADANDHONEYBLOG.NET

NEW SERMON SERIES!

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The Bridge • Youth Group Kick Off Party • Bridge Retreat

August 18, 2014

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Photos by Alan Nelson

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Blessing of the Backpacks • Bring Your Dad/Uncle/Grandpa/Special Friend to Sunday School • Worship Services

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IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN - POOL PARTY AND LOCK-IN AT CHURCH IS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

In order to get an accurate food count, we need your RSVP-ASAPWe’ll meet at The Carpenter’s for swimming, SatCo., games & more

THEN WE WILL HEAD OFF SITE FOR SOME SURPRISE FUNThe cost is $20 but bring a friend. & IT’S FREE FOR BOTH OF YOU

SCAN THE CODE TO REGISTER OR CLICK HERE

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY SEPT. 6TH DAY TRIP TO TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK

Treetop Adventure Park is an aerial adventure course set in the beautiful woods of Nashville Shores with 100 exciting and challenging obstacles including suspended bridges, 10 zip lines, cargo nets, ladders, Tarzan jumps, and many other thrilling elements.

more info on registration coming soon!

THIS SUNDAY, August 24th:11:00am - Sunday School in the Youth Wing “CommUnity” series, Lesson Title: Who We Want to Be, Scripture: Luke 4:16-214:30pm - Jubilation Youth Choir (JYC) rehearsal - Exactly what is JYC? JYC is Woodmont’s Youth Choir that performs at church and travels at times during the program year to share their voice! Give it a shot - JYC meets right before Sunday evening worhsip at The Bridge!6:15pm - Youth Group night (includes dinner)

NEW SERMON SERIES The story of the Bible is largely one of people without a home - the migrant Israelites in the Old Testament, Jesus being called out of Egypt, Paul traveling the ancient

world to share the Gospel. This week at The Bridge we’ll dash through the Bible, understanding it through the lens of the refugee. What implications does the story of the Bible have on the world events in the news today?Re-Imagine Worship at The Bridge, Sunday evenings at 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall.

FALL PROGRAMMING IS IN FULL SWING - ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE 2014-15 PROGRAM YEAR?

CLICK HERE OR BELOW TO REGISTER ONLINE - YOU CAN ALSO vISIT: BIT.LY/1O9YGB7

Check out pics from the Youth Kick off Party on page 6!

ON PAGE 4! Check out pics from the Youth Group Kick off Party held on August 17th... you look mah-velous!

August 18, 2014

AUGUST 24th - SUNDAY SCHOOL9:30 a.m. ClassesChristQuest - Ronda HirstStars - Claire Drowota, Jane Clay and Porter Meadors - DanielPandas - Christi Williams and Sarah Drury - EstherFrogs - Joy Jackson, Liz or Scott Holley - A New Heaven, A New EarthMonkeys - Laurie Cooper - Bring Your Dad.... to Sunday School11:00 a.m. ClassesChildren’s Church & 4th/5th Grade Class - Donna Bryant

SAVE THE DATES:• Bring Your Dad to Sunday School Monkeys Class 5 yrs: August 24th

• Fall Kick-off Picnic Friday September 5th at 6:00pm• Pancakes & Pajamas and Promotion Sunday - Septenber 7th at 9:00am• Trunk or Treat Friday October 31st at 5:30pm• Thanks & Giving Meal Sunday November 16th at 12:00pm

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Regional Assembly • October 3rd & 4th • Chattanooga, TNThe Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Tennessee will be held at First Christian Church in Chattanooga on October 3 and 4, 2014. First Christian Church is located in downtown Chattanooga across the street from the University of

Tennessee Chattanooga campus at 650 McCallie Ave.  The church’s website is http://firstchristian-chat.com Registrations are now being accepted online and by mail-in form.  The Region’s website, http://www.ccdctn.org   under Resources will give you the links to register online or a printable registration form to mail in with your payment.  Remember all meal reservations must be in by September 15th.You can also find the link to make your room reservations on the Resources page.  The Marriott hotel downtown is offering a reduced rate of $114 per night for all Assembly attendees. This rate is good until September 12th; the regular

rate at this hotel is $169. The Marriott offers complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, indoor pool, fitness center, two restaurants and a coffee house. The hotel is located in the heart of the downtown business district with easy access to the complimentary electric shuttle route. Please click the link provided for Chattanooga’s Marriott Downtown Chattanooga Marriott downtown.If you would like to serve as a Voting Representative, please contact the church office at 297-8563 before September 25, 2014.

SAVE THE DATES - October 18-19, 2014Experiencing Healing Through the Arts

Join us at Woodmont for a weekend of art, music, creative writing, and more. There will be classes, an art show, and a concert featuring Andra Moran and Steve Siler. The art show will include paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and woodwork from more than 20 local artists, including many from Woodmont Christian. Proceeds from the art show will benefit outreach programs at Woodmont Christian and Music for the Soul. Music for the Soul is a Christian ministry that uses the power of songs and stories as a bridge to hope and healing for those facing life’s most difficult issues. Visit their website: Musicforthesoul.org. For more information contact MaryClarePyron@gmail.com

CLICK HEREto learn more or visittinyurl.com/DivCare

The Bridge - We Need Goodies!The Bridge Worship Service (5:15 p.m. on Sunday evenings) offers snacks & coffee for their 15 minute social time before service. We are in need of cookies, sweet breads, brownies, doughnuts, chips, salsas, crackers, dips, pretzels and nuts, although don’t limit your talents!  People congregate where the food is. What better way to welcome new faces than a homemade sweet or savory.  Any donations may be left on the WCC kitchen counter.  Please mark them as “The Bridge”.  Questions...Kim Sheridan - kcsheridan@comcast.net or 615-500-3401.

August 18th, 2014

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Mission Wednesdays Begins September 3rd at 5:35 p.m. in Drowota Hall

Seeking God, Sharing Love, and Serving Others.... Woodmont’s Mission describes the kindness, compassion, generosity, patience and empathy our church family shares. These are the qualities that motivate us to respond to the needs of others and help alleviate the impact that life’s difficult circumstances can bring. 

The outreach and mission work Woodmont does comes in many forms. Many times this work is emergent and lifesaving. But what does this work look like? How does it directly impact others? What do the organizations we support do – what are their mission statements?

Come to Mission Wednesdays to Hear the Stories, Experience the Impact, and Learn About Woodmont’s Outreach and Mission Work

In partnership with the Nashville Food Project, Mission Wednesdays is the first Wednesday of the month beginning September 3rd and includes supper and a presentation/speaker, then a brief worship service in Drowota Hall. On September 3rd, a panel of Woodmont Youth will describe their mission trip to Guatemala, the work they participated in, and the lasting impact of their service.

Reservations should be made (the deadline is Monday at noon) by emailing the church office at rvaughan@woodmontcc.org, through the Sunday ‘connection card’ or by calling the church office at 297-8563. We are not taking online reservations at this time. There is no fee to attend Mission Wednesdays, however we will be accepting donations to help further our mission and outreach work.

What do these three ladies have in common? Besides being long-time Woodmont members, they have operated the church Library for many, many years! Unbeknownst to most, Terry Cheek, Willie Bandy and Jean Akers can be found in the Library every Thursday morning. They will quickly tell you that the best part of their day is the camaraderie and friendship they share; however, their Thursday mornings also consist of returning borrowed books to their proper place, keeping an inventory, weeding out old books and ordering/replacing with new ones. The Library is located to the right of the sanctuary - through the door on the right side of the pulpit. It is open every day of the week and books may be checked out at your convenience. No one has to be present - checkout operates on the honor system. You will find instructions on the desk as to how to checkout books and videos.

COME HELP US SAY THANK YOU AND TO CELEBRATE THESE WOMEN! THIS SUNDAY - AUGUST 24 AT 10:30 AM IN THE GATHERING HALL

COOKIES AND PUNCH WILL BE SERVED AND…. YOU MAY EVEN WANT TO STROLL OVER TO THE LIBRARY TO FIND OUT WHAT EXCITING

READING LIES INSIDE THOSE WALLS!

Jean Ackers

Willie Bandy

Terry Cheek

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Did You Know?Woodmont Women – Did you know that an Evening Circle, open to all Woodmont women, meets on the first Monday of every month (September through May)? Circle 5 welcomes all women whose lifestyles make attending an evening circle more convenient. We range in age from 30 and up; we offer dinner, a program, service opportunities, and fellowship. This is a great way to get to know the fascinating women who are part of our church family. Our fall plans include:September 8 (the second Monday due to Labor Day) – Mission and Ministry by Deb and Steve Laforge

October 6 – We will serve a meal to the Ronald McDonald House and tour their facility.

November 3 – Andra Moran will grace us with her wonderful voice, focusing on “Music and Ministry.”

December 1 – Julie Tanner and Beth Easter will bring us “Story and Cello for Advent.”

Please let Susan Hammonds-White know if you would like to join our Circle; email at sushammonds@bellsouth.net or call 615 482-6574. We would love to have you!

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Volume 43, Issue 24

Adult Sunday School Classes

9:30 a.m.Disciples Class (105)Challenge Class (200)

Young Adult Class (Boardroom)Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay)

11:00 a.m.Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay)

(Open to Men Also) Reflections Class (200)

Points of View (105)College & University-Aged Young Adults (107)

More information on NEW fall classes coming soon!

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Saturday, September 13th at 9:00 am in Drowota Hall

Join us in September for a series of three Disciples classes. Each

class aligns with our Mission state-ment and explains what it means to be part of Woodmont’s family and about the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

SEEKING CLASS • Sept 10SHARING CLASS • Sept 17SERVING CLASS • Sept 24

Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others. - Woodmont’s Mission

For more detailed class information please visit the Discipleship Classes page on our website at:

www.tinyurl.com/ThreeClasses

Susan Beaumont is a consultant, author, coach, and spiritual director. She has consulted with over one hundred congregations and denominational bodies across the United States and in Canada. She is known for her ground-breaking work in the leadership dynamics of large congregations.Before establishing her own practice, Susan worked for nine years as a Senior Consultant with the Alban Institute. Susan has also served on the faculty of two business schools, teaching graduate level courses in leadership, management and organizational behavior. She consulted with nonprofit organizations and corporate clients in leadership development and change management. She has corporate experience in human resource management and organizational development.Rev. Beaumont is an ordained minister within the American Baptist Churches, USA. She currently attends a Presbyterian Congregation.Susan’s educational background includes a M.B.A. from Northwestern University and a M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of the Shalem Institute Spiritual Guidance program.Susan is known for engaging the best of business practice, filtered through the lens of careful theological reflection. She moves easily between discernment and decision making, and nurtures the soul of the leader along with the soul of the institution.

Susan Beaumont

pg. 10

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt

Leadership Workshop for WCC’s Board and EldersSaturday, September 13th, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm in the Boardroom

August 18, 2014

The Spire • pg. 11

Sunday, August 249:00 a.m. Woodmont’s Annual Blood Drive (DH)9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services (Sanc)9:30 a.m. Bring Your Dad/Uncle/Grandpa/Special Friend to Sunday School - Monkeys Class (5yrs) 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Library Appreciation Reception (GH)11:00 a.m. Elder Ordination for Donovan McAbee4:30 p.m. Jubilation Youth Choir (YW)5:15 p.m. The Bridge Worship Service (DH)6:15 p.m. Youth Group

Monday, August 254:00 p.m. “The Geezers” (BR)6:00 p.m. Woodmont Ministry Team Meeting (BR)Tuesday, August 269:00 a.m. Women’s Prayer Group (C/S)6:30 p.m. Handbell Practice (Choir Room)Wednesday, August 276:15 a.m. Men’s Small Group 107)7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (105) Younger Men’s Bible Study (BR)Thursday August 14 Library Workday

Opportunities at Woodmont

In the Hospital:Janet Howell, NHC Cool SpringsContinuing Concerns:Jackson Lee Watson, grandson of Susan Spear DyerPauline Gilpatrick, mother-in-law of Anne ArneyBeverly Small, Richmond Place Health CenterStella Grace Daly, granddaughter of Martha DuffWill KeimJackson Hand, son of J.R. and Kailey HandStacy Whittington, daughter-in-law of Michael & Debbie WhittingtonWayne PuckettMim IngmanSusan MurphyJohn Crowe, godson of Glenn & Mary KigerMilitary Prayer List:Richie Mercado, Afghanistan, son-in-law of Barbara and Doug SchoerkeDave Albritton, nephew of Dave and Pat MaloneThose Serving Abroad:Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in ArmeniaCourtney Valk, Peace Corp in Republic of Georgia

Sympathy To:Cammy Arney and children Anna, Timmy, and Ian Arney on the death of their husband and father, Dr. Tim Arney. Dr. Arney passed away on August 14th. Services were Tuesday August 19th in Nashville.Kristen and Dave Malone and family on the death of Kristen’s sister, Ashley Price. Mrs. Price passed away on Monday, August 18th. She is survived by her husband Clay and two daughters, Katie and Jordan. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.Drew and Sara Donahue and family on the death of Drew’s uncle Charlie Sojourner in Chrystal Springs, MS.Congratulations To:Daniel Patten and Emily Cole who were married at Woodmont Saturday evening, August 16th by Rev. Clay Stauffer.  Daniel is the son of Tom and Kathy Patten.GIve Thanks:Patricia Taylor - Patricia extends her sincere thank you for the prayers, cards, calls, flowers, care and concern recently received. She is deeply grateful to all.

Prayers for our Church Family

Bulletin Board

The Elders of Woodmont request you join them in prayer for the following:

Pray for our ministry staff (by name), tirelessly serving the Woodmont church family. Pray that our upcoming Wednesday night classes help us draw closer to each other and our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for a peaceful solution to the Israeli/Palestinian crisis. Pray for the Yazidi ethnic minorities indiscriminately killed in northern Iraq.

BY OUR PRESENCE AND OUR GIFTS DEACON SCHEDULE - August 24, 2014Communion Prep: Cynthia Arnholt Service Coordinator: 9:30 - George Keith 11:00 - George Keith 5:15 - OPENVideo Camera: 9:30 - Steven McGinty 11:00 - OPEN

ELDERS SERVING - August 24, 20149:30 a.m.

Wendell Brownand

Mart Sesler11:00 a.m.Mary Kiger

andDonovan McAbee

Pat Malone - Hospital5:15 p.m.

Bryan Sargent

Date Sun. School Total Atd. OperatingJuly 27 246 693 $18,894August 3 253 710 $59,294August 10 236 684 $26,728August 17 306 745 $38,026

WORSHIP SERVICES - August 24, 20149:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Clay Stauffer, PreachingTitle: "Finding Meaning and Purpose"

Scripture: Philippians 7:1-11, Matthew 28:16-205:15 p.m. - The Bridge

Trey Flowers, PreachingNEW SERMON SERIES - ‘Refugee’

Title: "Finding Home Again"Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

WEEKLY PRAYER PARTNER: First Christian Church, Rockwood

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Topher Endress, Ministerial Intern Martha Duff, Director of Preschool Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse &Small Groups Coordinator Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Sara Koppelman, Communications Director Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Steven Austin, Housekeeping Chris Beck, Finance Manager Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager Hannah Ott, Youth Ministerial Intern Nancy Holmes, Children’s Ministry Assistant

9:30 a.m.David Reynolds

Laura Beth BrownChad Greer

Mike McConnellHope WalkerLaura Dovan

Betty McHughChristy Brown

11:00 a.m.Jim Hester

Laurie HesterStephen QuinnDoug Schoerke

Natalie CopelandNick Forlidas

Katherine HartleDarden Copeland

5:15 p.m.Virginia Dinker

Adam SloanZsa Rockey

Merillat Flowers

Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church LifeRev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational CareFarrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Carla “CJ” Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth

Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & “The Bridge”Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & OutreachAndra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors for “The Bridge” Tallu Quinn, Director of TNFP

Woodmont Christian Church3601 Hillsboro Rd. Nashville, TN 37215www.woodmontchristian.org

The Spire

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