The Spire

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

OUR MISSION

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

WCC YOUTH NEED YOUR HELP! See page 4 FOR DETAILS

CHILD DEDICATION - Henry Joel Hysmith, son of

Joel and Lindsey Hysmith, September 25, 2016

CHILD DEDICATION - Wade Thompson Stauffer,

son of Clay and Megan Stauffer, Sept. 25, 2016

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

Roys 70th Birthday Celebration

Roy and Anne Stauffer with newlyweds John Stauffer & Emilie Wilson, September 21. CLICK HERE to see
more photos from Roys birthday celebration

Anne and Roy with Beth Easter

Bill and Martha Thetford with Anne Stauffer

2016 TN Disciples of Christ Womens Fall Retreat

Woodmont representatives Dara Howe, Barbara
Sullivan, and Pat Johnston attended the 2016
Womens Retreat at Bethany Hills Sept. 17-18.

Dara, Barbara, and Pat at Bethany Hills, Sept 18.

The new TN Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Christal

Williams, brought great enthusiasm and spirit to
the retreat theme, Creating the Arts of Worship.

With members of Community Christian Church.

pg 2

Three Score and Ten

by Roy Stauffer

The Bible says (Psalm 90:10) that the

length of our lives here on earth are three
score and ten. You know, there are some
passages of Scripture that you just dont
want to take literally! And, as I now celebrate
my 70th birthday (which, thanks to my son, my
age is no longer my private secret) I choose not to
take that passage literally. However, I do like the rest of that verse: or
perhaps by reason of strength four score.

THIS WEEKS

This Weeks
FEATURED
SPEAKER

But the Bible also says (Proverbs 16:31) that gray/silver/white hair is a
reward for righteous living. Now Ill take that one, even literally! I also
like what someone said about that - Just because theres snow on the
roof, it doesnt mean theres not a fire inside.
So on this occasion of my 70th, Ill take the privilege of sharing with
you some of my favorite quotations and thoughts about aging:
Come grow old with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life for which
the first was made. - Robert Browning
Growing old is great! It sure beats the alternative.
There are three stages of life: 1) youth, 2) middle age, and 3) Youre
looking good.
The more life experiences you have across the years, the wiser you
become.
None are as old as those who lack enthusiasm. - Henry David Thoreau
Thank you for all your birthday wishes, cards, and gifts, and the birthday
dinner at church. Youve made it a good one! So lets do it again in ten
years on my 80th! Ill close with my favorite poem from Dora Johnson:
You Tell Me Im Getting Old by Dora Johnson
You tell me Im getting old, I tell you not so;
The house I live in is worn out--and, that, of course, I know,
Its been in use a long, long while, its weathered many a gale;
Im really not surprised you think its getting somewhat frail.
The colors changing on the roof, the windows getting dim,
The walls a bit transparent, and looking rather trim.
The fountains not so steady as once it used to be.
My house is getting shaky, but my house isnt me!
My few short years cant make me old--I feel Im in my youth;
Eternity lies just ahead, a life of joy and truth,
Im going to live forever there; life will go on--its grand!
You tell me Im getting old? You just dont understand!
The dweller in my little house is bright and young and gay-Just starting out on a life to last throughout eternal day.
You only see the outside, which is all that most folks see.
You tell me Im getting old? Youve mixed my house with me!
pg 3

JOHN GEER, VANDERBILT

Professor of Public Policy & Education

Wednesday, Oct.5, 6:30 p.m., Drowota Hall
Geer has published 5 books and over
20 articles on presidential politics and
elections, and recently served as Editor
of The Journal of Politics (2005-2009).
His most recent book is In Defense of
Negativity: Attacks Ads in Presidential
Campaigns, published by the University of
Chicago Press, which won the Goldsmith
Book prize from Harvard University (2008).
He has provided extensive commentary in
the news media on politics, including live
nation wide interviews for FOX, CNN, NBC,
CBS, MSNBC, ABC, and NPR.

Its Pumpkin
Time Again!
by Katie Sheridan Gossage
The biggest change this year is that we will
be unloading the pumpkins on SUNDAY,
Oct. 16, immediately following the 11:00 a.m
service. Anyone willing to help the Youth may
join us for a quick chili lunch and then head up to South
Hall with us to unload a semi-truck of 70% of its pumpkin load. All
volunteers will be appreciated and loved on!
Cant unload pumpkins but still want to help? Heres how you can!:
- CLICK HERE to volunteer for a 3-hour shift selling pumpkins at the
Patch October 17th-31st
- CLICK HERE to sign up to bake a set of pumpkin bread to be sold at
the Patch
- Buy your holiday decor to support Woodmonts own Pumpkin Patch!
We will have tiny to humongous orange pumpkins, blue pumpkins,
swan gourds, star gourds, flint corn, and more!
It takes a community to make the Pumpkin Patch happen. All the
volunteering time and energy can be seen in the over $6,000 raised
each year that goes directly to the Woodmont Youth Mission Fund,
benefiting our work with Unbound in Guatemala.
Join me in my excitement for the great things the Pumpkin Patch will
accomplish!

Room In the Inn officially begins the 1st of November and runs
through the end of March and Woodmont hosts on Friday
nights. The new sign-up is currently available at www.bit.ly/
RITIWCC. We are asking for small groups, Sunday School classes,
Prayer groups, women and men's group as well as families
and individuals to start signing up for dates to serve. Please
prayerfully consider serving. This is a wonderful opportunity to
serve those who have a need within our community and
have a great time doing so.
Room In the Inn Clothes Closet is also looking for donation
of new socks, boxers, tee-shirts (in sizes L, XL and 2XL), and
individually packaged toothbrushes, as well of new or gently
used men's winter hats, gloves, coats and winter clothing.
Now is a great time to clean out your winter clothes and donate
to the RITI Clothes Closet. These items can be dropped off at
the church office or contact Deb LaForge to arrange pickup if
you have a large donation.
If you should have any questions regarding sign-up or
donations, call Deb LaForge at 615-496-8183 or email at
[email protected]
pg 4

Sunday Services

Three options to choose from every week:

9:30 a.m.
Worship Service, Sanctuary
Sunday School Classes

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

11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary
Sunday School Classes

Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, Oct. 2
8:15 a.m.
Seekers Bible Study, Room 105
6:15 p.m.
Youth Group, Youth Wing
Monday, Oct. 3
4:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

"Geezers" Men's Group, Boardroom

Bagpipers, South Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 4
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group,
Campbell-Stone
11:00 a.m.
CWF Meeting, Room 105
12:00 p.m.
CWF Lunch, Drowota Hall
6:00 p.m.
Handbell Practice, Choir Room

Wednesday, Oct. 5
6:15 a.m.
Men's Small Group, Room 100
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study, Room 105
7:00 a.m
Younger Men's Bible Study,

Boardroom
5:30 p.m.
Grace Notes Childrens Choir, Kids
Commons
5:35 p.m.
Fellowship Dinner, Drowota Hall
6:15 p.m.
DivorceCare, The Bay Room
6:30 p.m.
Choir Practice, Choir Room
6:30 p.m.
Roys Class, Room 105
6:30 p.m.
Political Series: Professor John Greer,
Making Some Sense of the 2016
Presidential Election, Drowota Hall

Upcoming Special Events

TUESDAY, OCT. 4, Woodmonts CWF will welcome Saddle Up!, a nonprofit recreational therapeutic riding program. Where
all children are equal in the saddle! This year is the 25th anniversary of this outstanding program which serves more than 250
children and youth annually. Saddle Up! is the regions oldest and largest recreational therapeutic riding program, and it is the
only one exclusively serving children and youth with disabilities. CWF meets monthly on the first Tuesday at 11 am with lunch
following. All are welcome. Please make reservations with the church office if planning to join us for lunch.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5, Mission Wednesdays continue with Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner catered by The Nashville Food
Project on the first Wednesday of each month. MENU: Poppy seed chicken with brown rice, Garden Salad with vinaigrette
dressing, Whole Wheat rolls, and Berry Cobbler. RSVP here: www.woodmontchristian.org/wednesday-fellowship-dinner
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5., Vanderbilt Professor John Geer kicks of Sizing Up The 2016 Presidential Race in Drowota Hall, 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 16, Bring a change of clothes to Sundays 11 a.m. service and support Woodmonts youth by helping unload a
semi-truck of pumpkins at South Hall. A chili lunch will be provided for all who help!
TUESDAY, OCT. 18, The WCC Book Club will meet at 10:30 in Room 107 on Tuesday, October 18th. Virginia Lewis will lead a
discussion of Susan Meissners book, Secrets of a Charmed Life. Everyone is invited to attend.
SATURDAY, OCT. 22, Enjoy tons of family fun at WCPSs Fall Fest! Pumpkin patch, pony rides, face painting, bake sale, chili
cookoff and much more! For more info and to enter the chili cookoff, go to www.woodmontfallfest.org
TUESDAY, OCT. 25, GEMS (Greet, Eat, Meet, Socialize) is a monthly luncheon open to all Woodmont adults and friends.
The next one is set for noon on Tuesday, October 25, in Room 105. The cost is $8 for the buffet lunch, and reservations are
needed by the Friday before the event (10/21). The October GEMS speaker will be Joe Badawy, who will talk about his life in
Egypt as a Coptic Christian, his immigration to the U.S., and current affairs in his native country. Make your reservation through
Woodmonts website, or send email to [email protected], or call the church office.
THURSDAY, OCT. 27, Come join fellow Woodmont members in helping improve the lives of families in Morgan and Scott
counties. The main group will head over the night of the 27th and working all day the 28th, 29th and part of the 30th. If you cant
come up until Friday morning/night, thats fine too! We will coordinate drivers for Thursday night, Friday morning and Friday
night. Hope you can come! If you have any additional questions, contact [email protected].
pg 5

Two Words
by Andra Moran
A man joins a monastery and is
only permitted to say two words
every 7 years.
After the first 7 years, the elders call
him in and ask for his two words. Cold
floors, he says. They nod and send him away.
7 more years pass, and the young monk is called in. He clears
his throat, Bad food, he says. They nod and send him away.
7 years pass, and the young monk is called in. When asked for
his two words, the monk replies, I quit.
Thats not surprising, the elders say. Youve done nothing
but complain since you got here.
I read this joke in an email that my dad sent to meand of
course, I laughed. Later, as I thought this joke through, it
became particularly poignant, because both of my parents
always harped on us to be mindful of the words we said in our
family, and in our lives.
If you had to sum up your life in two words right now, what
would they be? Some guesses: Im tired. Im content. Im
anxious. Good life. Change stressful.
For me personally, I would say all those two word phrases
would be my choices on different days in the last week.
There are two words, though, that are on my mind and in my
heart so often, that its surprising I didnt think of them first
in my musings about my own two words. How about this 2
word phrase:
Thank you.
These simple words are powerhouses of change and promise
a renewed perspective of the goodness of God, even in the
most trying times.
1st Thessalonians 5:18 reads, Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Consider trying out this phrase in your prayers today. Use
it with your family and your friends. Spend a few moments
wondering about whether there are ways you need to thank
or encourage yourself. Breathe in gratitude, breathe out
peace and hope.
Amen!
pg 6

Highlights from Sunday

September 25, 2016

Grace Notes performs God Is So Good, directed by Catie Pratt & accompanied by Gail Reese, piano.

Tom Schuyler performs special music during

the 11 a.m. service as part of Wade Thompson
Stauffers dedication.

Megan and Clay Stauffer at the dedication of

their son, Wade Thompson Stauffer.
To see all photos from Wades dedication, go to
www.woodmontchristian.org/photos

To see all photos from Sundays service, go to

www.woodmontchristian.org/photos
pg 7

Prayers for Our Church Family

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
John Stauffer and Emilie Wilson on getting married Saturday,
Moulton Farrar
September 24
Joe Smith, Connie Schmutzs brother
Joyce Burton, Bette Christofersens mother, Richland Place
SYMPATHY TO:
Frances Gibson, mother of John Gibson
The family and friends of Amy Shaffer, whos mother, Mimi
Richard Lowe
Yarbro, passed away on September 17, Guntersville, AL
Ray Dickerson
Jeff Rush
IN THE HOSPITAL:
Joe Taylor
Gus Stranch, son of Gerard and
Joyce Stanley, Jan Andersons sister
Patty Stranch, Inpatient Treatment,
Carol Parsons
Vanderbilt Childrens, No Visitors, Please
Clay Perry, son of Diane and Tim Perry, grandson of Betty and
LuAnn Brent, Richland Place
Bill Johnson, Seattle
John Shelton
Ben Cherry
Dorothy Ann Patterson, Mother of
Ann Luther
The Elders of Woodmont Ask You To Join Them in Prayer For:
- Victims of violence and bombings in our country
- Victims of flooding in the Midwest
- Pray for racial peace and understanding
- Continuing prayers for the victims of civil war in Syria
- The fall start up of the Wednesday night program
October 2, 2016 Elders and Deacons Serving

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Deacons Serving
Date
Sun. School Total Atd.
September 4
254
678
September 11
385
894
September 18
414
931
September 25
368
833

Operating
$40,145
$22,622
$44,357
$35,172

Worship Services October 2, 2016

9:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m.
Morning Worship
Chris Cox, Preaching
Sermon Title: Dont Worry, Be
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Elders Serving

Communion Prep: Diane Perry

Service Coordinator: 9:30 - David Todd
9:45 - Jonathan Farmer 11:00 - Laurie Hester
Video Camera: 9:30 - Benson Hadley 11:00 - Jim
Hester
9:30 a.m.
Chad Greer
Sara Anne Quinn
Sonny Berry
Jerry Johnson
Tom Dovan
Tom Woodard
William Liles
Peggy Burrahm

9:45 a.m.
Jonathan Farmer
Chip Hooper
Sara Kate Hooper
Kristen Newman
Christy Brown

11:00 a.m.
Emily Carpenter
Jim Batson
Pam Groom
Jeremiah Pyron
Shepley Smith
Jenny Holder
Mike Wright
Nick Forlidas

9:30 a.m.
Tim Perry
Jack Derryberry
9:45 a.m.
Anne-Marie Farmer
11:00 a.m.
John Hobby
Jack Derryberry
Hospital Pam Richardson

Woodmonts Ministerial Staff

Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Katie Sheridan Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Rev. Justin Gung Minister of Children & Congregational Care Thom Schuyler Director of Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Farrell Mason Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge
Chris Cox Minister of Youth
Stephen Daniel King Worship Musician
Michael Graham Director of Music Ministry
Abby McLean Childrens Ministry Coordinator
Mary Clare Pyron Parish Nurse

Support Staff
Chris Beck Business Administrator
Mandy Barton Brown Executive Assistant
Russell Davis Accompanist
Martha Duff Director of Preschool

MacKenzie Baldwin Administrative Assistant

Sam Marsh Property & Facilities Manager
Matt Diffenderfer Communications Director

For assistance, please call the church office at 615.297.8563 or email [email protected]
Get the most up-to-date information at www.woodmontchristian.org

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