In This Issue

A Letter From Clay Stauffer

Articles: Clay Stauffer
Roy Stauffer
Michael Graham
Living Generously, Changing Lives: Society
of Saint Andrew and Men of Valor
Announcements/News
Woodmont Kids & Youth
Cares & Upholding Our Church

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August 4, 2015

Volume 44, Issue 14

Special Performances at Woodmont

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

Homecoming Sunday
is Promotion Sunday!
The new Sunday School year is right around
the corner - its time to set your child up for
the next year of fun, fellowship, and spiritual
growth! Be sure youre ready for Promotion
Sunday - August 16 by registering your
child so that we assign them to the correct
Sunday School class and stand guard over
their health and safety.

Register on line: bitly.com/WCCKidsReg

A letter from Clay Stauffer

July 30, 2015

Dear Woodmont,
I am writing these words from the Outer Banks, NC where we have been vacationing with Megans family the
past week. I am about to begin the final stretch of my sabbatical and look forward to being back in the pulpit
HomecomingSunday, Aug. 16to begin a new series on Marks gospel. As you know, you can get away but youre
never really away in this digital age.
I wrote to you about a month ago in our newsletter regarding Woodmonts Reality. Simply put, our church
must find a way to coexist with multiple beliefs and opinions regarding difficult social and spiritual issues that
polarize Christians. Christian unity has always been our polar star. On the issue of same sex marriage, our
churchs stance is honest and straightforward: we agree to disagree. Roy articulated this concept very well in his
sermon on July 26. This makes Woodmont unique and different from many other churches and exposes us to
perspectives different from our own.
Many of you have reached out to ask me how I feel about this topic. Personally, I am a supporter of traditional
marriage as being between a man and a woman. I find both theological and biblical grounds for this position. This
view does not in any way mean that I am homophobic, bigoted, or close minded and I am saddened when that is
inferred. I can assure you I am well read on this issue and have prayed about it diligently. Having said that, there
are many in our church whom I love and deeply respect who feel differently and rejoice in the Supreme Courts
decision to allow same sex couples to marry in every state. I do not question their integrity or faith. I respect
their views and ask them to respect mine. There are good, honest people on both sides of this issue speaking
from their beliefs, heart, and conscience. Healthy dialogue is essential in a church like ours.
Our church board, with the input of our Elders, will be charged with reviewing our entire wedding policy
and deciding if same sex weddings will be allowed at Woodmont in the future. This will not be a rushed
process or decision because of the complexity of the issue. As a congregational church, we value the input
of our members. You are welcome to contact a minister, elder, or board member to share your thoughts and
convictions. My ongoing hope and prayer is that civility, respect, kindness, and faithful disagreement will be
present throughout this entire process. I also believe that Woodmont is much larger than any one issue. We are
a strong, vibrant, missional church for many reasons, one being our ability to disagree and still love and respect
each other in the process. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Blessings,

Dr. Clay Stauffer

Sr. Minister
Faithful Disagreement
by Clay Stauffer
Earlier in the summer, I recommended says, Those of us who are liberals often allege that our
a book by Frances Taylor Gench titled conservative Christian kin are just proof-texting, reading
Faithful Disagreement. This book seems very selectively. Those of us who are conservatives all too
to speak to where many churches and frequently argue that liberals dont even care about the
Christians are in wrestling with the Bible they consider it irrelevant. (Gench 9) I have clearly
divisive and emotional topic of same sex found over the years that people hold deep, personal views
marriage. In the letter that I sent to the and convictions on this issue, and manydont understand
congregation July 30, I stated the fact that how somebody could hold a different view than they do.
there are good people, deeply committed Christians, with As Christians, we have to wrestle with the scripture. It is
differing perspectives. Attacking or ridiculing somebody our sacred text. As a church that agrees to disagree on
for their beliefs (either way) is wrong. Disagreeing with many hot topics, we cannot attack other people for their
them is perfectly fine. Intelligent Christians for and against views and beliefs. Thats not who we are. The leadership of
same sex marriage have studied the Bible, prayed, and our church, ministerial and lay, has a responsibility for the
have reached different conclusions. In the first chapter, health and well-being of the entire congregation and the
Gench says, Differing interpretations of scripture, over many lives that Woodmont impacts and changes on a daily
matters about which we care deeply, can become a source basis. Some have told me, When it comes to this issue, I
of disunity and enormous pain. (Gench 1) Any minister just dont think its possible to agree to disagree. I think it
is fully aware of this. Although I think the terms are vague is. Thats why I am a Disciples Minister. Its just not simple
and overused, some people want to make this another or easy.
liberal/conservative battle. Its not that simple. Gench
pg 2


What is Woodmont Church?
by Roy Stuaffer
What is Woodmont Christian 17 days and didnt need visitors. Wayne said hed keep
Church? Woodmont was and is everyone out. So every morning he appeared, in a coat
Oren Wayne Puckett. Wayne was and tie, newspaper under his arm, and a cup of coffee
born August 14, 1933 and died July to guard my room. He got frustrated with me when I
18, 2015. I met Wayne when I came wanted to see everyone who came by anyhow.
As a part of my recovery, they gave me one of those
to Woodmont seven years ago. He
was a good looking, sharp dressing plastic gismos that youre supposed to inhale and keep
man with beautiful long silver-white the little balls in the air to make sure you dont get
hair and always a big smile. Wayne pneumonia. The nurse told Wayne I was supposed to do
was always a very active member of it about ten times a day. Wayne didnt hear her right and
Woodmont in church every Sunday, in Sunday School, had me doing it about ten times every hour! He later said,
at the Bridge Sunday nights, at the Wednesday night There I was, trying to help you heal, and I almost killed
you!
suppers, and a part of the Geezers mens group.
A few years ago Wayne developed back trouble and
Wayne Puckett was a school teacher and principal in
the Davidson County school system. Years ago he had a had to have surgery. Then he developed congestive heart
television show in which he taught science. My wife Anne trouble which put him in the hospital. When he next
grew up watching Mr. Puckett on TV. When she first developed kidney failure, he was sent to Alive Hospice to
met him in person here at Woodmont she exclaimed, live out what he thought would be his remaining months.
Oh, youre Mr. Puckett! She told him she always had a He was very clear that he was not afraid of dying, that if it
was his time to go, he was ready. But, his kidneys started
crush on him as a girl.
After years in the Nashville school system, Wayne was functioning again and after his Medicare-allotted days in
offered a great job as head of all the television education Alive Hospice were used up, he had to move elsewhere.
programs in the Denver school system. So he moved to I told him he was the only person I ever knew who got
Colorado to begin the most exciting part of his career. But kicked out of Hospice.
After a few more months in assisted living, Waynes
he wasnt in Denver long before his only brother became
critically ill. So Wayne moved back to Nashville to care body began to shut down again. The last night of his life
for his brother, allowing his brothers wife to continue he was taken back to Alive Hospice. He loved it there and
working and raising their three children. Wayne stayed at that was where he said he wanted to die. We had long
his brothers side for over two years until his brother died. talks about death and what lies beyond. I told him that
But thats just the way Wayne was very generous, when he got to the other side to try his best to contact
loving, and caring for others. He joined Woodmont in me. He said he would. He stepped over to that other side
2006 and always gave 15% of his income to the church about ten hours after getting back to Alive Hospice.
Yes, Wayne Puckett was and is the spirit of Woodmont
annually. He also gave a $15,000 oriental rug to the church,
which is now in the Bay Room where the Spiritual Journeys Christian Church. He would do anything for anyone to
for Women class meets each Sunday. Wayne volunteered make their life better. He was a most loving, caring, and
with the Mobile Loaves and Fishes ministry (now generous man. And, you know what, I never knew what
Nashville Food Project) to feed the homeless. He would he thought about same-sex marriage.
- Roy
make sandwiches and then drive the truck to deliver them.
He would also go pick up church members who could
no longer drive, and bring them to church on Sundays.
And his smiling face often turned up when Woodmont
members were in the hospital.
Wayne Puckett was a big part of the Stauffer family.
When Clay and his family would go out of town, Wayne
would pick them up, drive them to the airport, and then
meet them again when they came back home. While
they were gone, Wayne went to the parsonage daily to
feed Clays dogs and exercise them several times a day.
He loved Clays yellow lab Tucker, and was there at the
grave-site service when Tucker died of cancer. He was also
a best friend to their King Charles Spaniel Bailey. Bailey
still misses Wayne.
When I was in the hospital to have heart valve surgery
two years ago, Wayne showed up volunteering to be the
doorkeeper. Due to complications, I was in ICU for
pg 3


by Michael Graham
The many talents of Sarah Huffman are not even
Circa eighteen years ago, our
long-time music director, Jim her greatest strength, for she has given us a wonderful
example of a servants mind and heart, two entities that
Jarrett, retired from his post and
his position was filled for a year by come only from one who is in joyful relationship with
God. When I think of Sarah, I am reminded of J.K.
Thom Mitchell. Thom moved back to
Texas, leaving the directorship open Rowlings statement, It is our choices that show who
we truly are, more than our abilities.
again, and when offered, I agreed
Sixteen years ago, we were in need of an alto section
to fill it. Thom had been playing for
leader for the chancel choir. After interviewing several
the newly created 9:30 service. We
decided to create a pianist position for that service and singers, one struck me as a good choice. Her name
was Shelby Strickland. Being the
combine it with a rehearsal accompanist for the choir.
gracious God that He is, we were
A good friend of mine recommended Sarah Huffman,
saying, Youll be glad you hired her. That was quite an again blessed with an extraordinary
talent. Shelby has filled the position
understatement.
with finesse, being both a gifted,
At the time, I dont recall even
versatile soloist (she can lyrically
knowing she was an accomplished
do formal literature and blow the
organist, (about one in twenty are
lid off the folky stuff) and a terrific
formally trained in both piano
section leader who truly takes the
and organ) and I certainly didnt
Shelby Junkins
time to assist those around her.
know she played the violin. Along
Shelby has leadership qualities and she admirably
the way, I found out she was also
exercised them by organizing and leading rehearsals
a recording session singer and
for our vocal ensemble, which performs three to four
music editor. Her gifts were so
Sarah Huffman
times a year. In addition to her musical talents and
numerous, it began to get spooky,
organizational skills, Shelby has a humble Spirit and to
as if God had sent us Wonder
Woman disguised as a humble musical servant, ready top it off, a great sense of humor. She recently married
to fill in whatever the music department needed. Did Kaley Junkins, a talented guitarist, and the two of them
I mention that she had formal harpsichord experience are moving to Springfield, TN.
In closing, please allow me to paraphrase an
(think Hndels Messiah)?
By now, you may have heard that Sarah, who works admonition by Paul in his writings to the Romans.
full-time for Word Music as an Editor and Projects May you receive (them - Sarah and Shelby) in the Lord
in a way worthy of the saints and to give (them) any
Manager, is retiring her position at Woodmont.
Fortunately for all of us, she is not stomping off to help (they) may need from you, for (they) have been a
great help to many people, including me.
another church, but simply needing to devote extra
Sarah and Shelby will continue to share their talents
time elsewhere. Her full-time job is demanding enough!
through August.
We will continue to see her playing in the consort and
filling in when organ is needed for major works and I
am busy directing. God is good!
Preaching This Sunday Morning - Reverend Anne Stauffer
Anne Stauffer is an ordained Women seeking deeper growth and fresh inspiration are
Minister of Pastoral Counseling encouraged to attend this class. Spiritual Journeys Class
and a Trauma and Addictions 2nd Hour (Co-ed at 11:00 a.m. in The Bay Room) is a class
group dedicated to sharing its experience, strength and
Therapist. She has over 35 years of
hope based on the 12 steps of life in Christ and spiritual
experience as a Counselor, Sunday
School teacher, and workshop principles for more abundant living. Both classes offer
leader; she also owns The Cottage dynamic opportunities for discussion and expression in
in the Woods Ministry Center, and a safe, confidential, facilitated and uplifting environment.
she is the author of the book The
Rev. Anne Stauffer is Preaching This Sunday,
Way to Stillness.
During 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship
Anne leads two Sunday School Classes in addition
Sermon Title: We Are All Wounded Healers
to DivorceCare which is offered during the Fall on
Scripture: Psalm 147:1-6
Wednesday evening. Spiritual Journeys for Women (9:30
God wants to heal our brokenness
and bind up our wounds.
a.m. in The Bay Room) is a class designed to challenge
your old models of religion while opening you to a
Annes Sunday School Classes Will Resume 8/16!
wider more fulfilling Biblically based spiritual horizon.
pg 4

Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: Society of St. Andrew and Men of Valor
Society of St. Andrew (SoSA)
The Society of St. Andrew is an ecumenical non-profit
organization that saves and rescues fresh produce, which
is unmarketable for various reasons, and donates it to feed
hungry Americans. With the help of tens of thousands
of volunteers every year they save millions of pounds
of food that otherwise would be wasted and feeds the
hungry for about two cents per serving. The Tennessee
Gleaning Network regional offices of SoSA are located
here in Nashville.
Because of Woodmonts support and generosity, in
2014, the Tennessee Gleaning Network of the Society of
St. Andrew was able to:
Rescue 1,034,888 pounds of produce
Distribute 3,104,664 servings of food
Serve 180 Tennessee agencies
Work with 155 produce providers
Receive 4,148 hours of volunteer help
Thank you for your part in feeding the hungry in TN.
Visit www.endhunger.org/tennessee for more
information about SoSAs work in Tennessee.

1 Georgia Harb
Betsy Hendrick
Terri King
Angela McMillin
Thompson Joyner
2 Heather Glasgow
Joyce White
Luke Elliott
Josh Cheng
Madison Rudd
3 Jerri Malloy
Sissy Rogers
Andrew Chelton
4 Robyn Arab
Cristin Lewis
Grace Lee
5 Beth Cashion
Cindy Walker
Patrick Quinn
6 Joyce Burton
Bill Alford
Robbie Sinks
Ellen Cochran
Lizzy White Seymour
Michelle McWhorter
7 Elizabeth Regen
Marcella Derryberry
Chris Paisley

Men of Valor
Our Mission Statement: Men of Valor is committed to
winning men in prison and their families to Jesus Christ
and discipling them on an ongoing basis. Our purpose
is for them to become givers to the community rather
than takers.
It is with deep gratitude that we express our thanks
to you for all you have done to help this ministry. The
faithfulness of your church and its members are an
example of Christ-like service and compassion that
certainly gives God the glory! We are seeing some good
fruit/harvest with a good number of me, and of course,
that is a blessing to all. Woodmonts gift in 2014 helped
to underwrite:
Childrens Christmas gifts
Family Christmas gatherings
Taking children to special events they would not

usually experience
Ongoing prison and aftercare programming
Sincerely,
Raul Lopez, Executive Director
Visit www.men-of-valor.org for more
information about Men of Valors work in Tennessee.

Happy August Birthdays!

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Jennifer Walker
Leah Harwell
Marisa Taveau
Matthew Miccioli
Billy Hamburg
Pat Malone
Alberta Martin
Isse Waddey
Natasha Rollins
Lullah Quinn
Caroline Bacon
John Hobby
Amanda Howell
Annie Hendrick
Maggie Holifield
Elizabeth Johnson
Saramac Wallace
Jackson Arnholt
Taylor Groom
Bob Nichols
Brooke Huffman
Maggie Sheridan
Gayle Maloney
Roberta Eckert
Ann Troxler
Rob Bearden
Claire Drowota
David Conrad

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pg 5

Margaret Davidson
Houston Hartle
Bray Martin
Toby Gray
Betty Johnson
Judy Davis
Linda Webb
Linda Whitson
Laura Wasson
Kate Woodard
Suzanne Nelson
Christy Waller
Mike Stewart
Bill Heyne
Mark Cannon
Maggie Faber
Brenton Lowe
Annalise Bacon
Harriet Medlin
Matthew White
Richmond Williams
Justin Lowe
Dena Collins
Carson Ray
Meredith DeVault
Corinne Smith
Phillip Suiter
Grant Smothers

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Jay Everett
Luke Schuyler
Ricki Adkins
Mia Rutledge
Wilson Jackson
Joann Tomlin
Dai Wilson
Cynthia Beck
Caroline Hamburg
Bryan Keane
Ralph Parsons
Charles Howell
Jeff King
Erica Sowell
Hailey Wright
Chloe Shaffer
Macie Smitherman
Robin Heyne
Mike Wright
Caroline Drury
Avery Ray
Kathryn Gibson
John Michael Clark
Joe Bandy
Christian Heyne
John Galloway
Cathy Johnson
Brad Northcut

Soup & Salad Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

After The Bridge Worship This Sunday

One of Woodmonts many Fellowship Dinner Groups enjoying fellowship and food
at Cocos Restaurant July 23. Left - Right: Theresa McCoy, Julia Tanner, Connie
Schmutz, Millie Moore, Angela Powers, Wilson Wattenbarger, Chip Phinizy, Patricia
Taylor, Woody Powers, Phil Schmutz, Mary Beth McLaurine.
If you are interested in joining a Fellowship Dinner Group, contact
Mary Clare Pyron at maryclarepyron@gmail.com

The second Sunday of the month, The Bridge Worship is followed by

The Bridge Soup and Salad Dinner - a free and delicious homemade
soup and salad dinner. Invite your friends and family, and enjoy this
opportunity to attend evening worship and make new friends over
a great meal! This Sunday at The Bridge Worship

Referenced in Clay Stauffers

article on page 2, copies of Faithful
Disagreement are available for
purchase in The Spire Bookstore
on Sunday mornings. If you would
like to reserve a copy to pick up
this Sunday, email Sara deBettencourt at sara@woodmontcc.org.

Challenge Class
Sunday School

Circle 5 Volunteered for the CURES Project Saturday July 25. Left - Right: Julia Tanner, Susan
Hammonds-White (Circle 5 Leader), Ladonna Cooper, Sheila Mathias, Peggy Walker, Patricia Taylor.
If you are interested in sharing the love of Christ in the presence of your sisters please
contact Martha Hobby, Circle Womens Fellowship President at jandmhobby@yahoo.com.
pg 6

Following the completion of

the Challenge Classs current
study, we will begin studying
the DVD series of God in
America: What is it about
the American experience
and American character
that prompted faith here to
evolve differently from the Old
World? The award-winning
PBS series will be viewed and
used as a platform to discuss
how our nation developed its
own unique religious views.
Challenge Class meets at 9:30
a.m. in Room 200.

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Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, August 9
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services (Sanctuary)
10:30 a.m.
Hymn Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
5:15 p.m.
The Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)
6:00 p.m.
The Bridge Soup (DH)
Monday, August 10
4:00 p.m.
The Geezers Mens Group (BR)
5:15 p.m.
Cub Scouts (DH)
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts (DH)
Tuesday, August 11
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)
Wednesday, August 12
6:15 a.m.
Mens Small Group (100)
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study (105)

Younger Mens Bible Study (BR)

Stephen Ministry (100, 232, Library, C/S)
Thursday, August 13 Library Workday

The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join Them in Prayer for:

All the school children and teachers returning to school now and the next
few weeks that they may have a successful, productive and safe school year.
The newly elected leaders of our community that they will serve effectively
and wisely.
Continued guidance for the discernment of Gods will for the future of our
Church.
Respect and love for each other when we agree to disagree on any topic, as
has been our history.
By Our Presence and Our Gifts
Sun. School Total Atd.
Operating
230
734
$23,423
255
692
$46,026
268
684
$33,631
252
583
$32,996
Worship Services - August 9, 2015
Morning Worship 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Anne Stauffer, Preaching
Title: "We Are All Wounded Healers" Scripture: Psalm 147:1-6
God wants to heal our brokenness and bind up our wounds.
The Bridge Worship, 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall
Justin Gung, Preaching
Date
July 12
July 19
July 26
August 2

Prayers for Our Church Family

New Concerns
Nix Joyner, son of Jamie and Seth Joyner
Continuing Concerns
LuAnn Brent
Pat Nichols, Woodcrest
Bob Nichols
Nancy Griffith
Becky Griffith
Al Richardson
Elaine Markland
Donnie Creighton, Woodcrest Rehab
Yot Williams, Richland Place
Military
Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve & Judy
Wilson, Middle East
Sympathy To
the family of Marion Booker, a Woodmont Charter Member, who passed away
on August 2, 2015. Visitation will be August 15 from 2:00-3:00 pm at Harpeth
Hills Funeral Home with a graveside service at 3:00 pm.Mrs. Booker was 100
years old!
Give Thanks
Mattie Chandler, mother of Cynthia Beck

In All Things, Love

preached by Trey Flowers July 19th at
Morning Worship is now available
in audio mp3 and video format on line at
www.woodmontchristian.org/Sermons.aspx

Deacons Serving August 9, 2015

Communion Prep: Barbara Sullivan
Service Coordinator
9:30 - Tom Dovan 11:00 - Linda Webb
Video Camera: 9:30 - Jeremy Pratt 11:00 - Jim Hester
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
Chad Greer
Jerry Johnson
Andrew Chelton
Billy Crawford
Patricia Taylor
Stephanie Chelton
Erik Milam
Stephen Quinn
Tami Buchanan
John Weldon
Sandra Kyne
Sara Kate Hooper
Hope Walker
Sara Anne Quinn
Renee Porier
Mike McConnell
Laurie Hester
Jennifer Ottinger
Laura Stephan
Peggy Burrahm
Don Hart

Elders Serving August 9, 2015

9:30 a.m.
Pat Malone
and
Jack Derryberry
11:00 a.m.
Rich Sanderson
and
Marcella Derryberry
Pat Malone (Hospital)
5:15 p.m.
Donovan McAbee

Staff Serving Woodmont

Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"
Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Tallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food Project
Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors, "The Bridge"
Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager
Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse &
Joe Badawy, Housekeeping
Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator
Small Groups Coordinator
Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping
Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Sarah Huffman, Accompanist
Stephen Austin, Housekeeping
Maddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry Coordinator
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool