IN THIS EDITION

Articles:
Clay Stauffer.......................................pg. 2
Farrell Mason......................................pg. 3
Michael Graham.................................pg. 4
Living Generously, Changing Lives..pg. 5
Mission/Outreach Work.....................pg. 6
News/Events/Photos...........................pg. 7
WoodmontKids/Youth.......................pg.10
Advent Season....................................pg. 11
Cares & Upholding Our Church................pg.12

Child Dedication - Oscar Bell

(l-r): Davis, Isla, Ginger and Oscar Bell

November 17, 2015

Sunday, November 15 - Child Dedication and New Members

Kelsey and Kreigh Bourff

(l-r): William III "Billy", William IV

(5 months), and Ceci Billington

Angie and Kyle Simmons

"Paris, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude"

by Clay Stauffer including a note from Linda Whitson

Our hearts and prayers go

out to the people of Paris.Once
again, we have witnessed
another barbaric attack carried
out by extremists in the name of
religion. It is sickening.These
were good innocent people,
living their lives, eating at
restaurants, watching soccer
games, attending a concert, and
they had no idea what was about
to happen.These were mothers
and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. I
said Sunday that religious extremism is going to continue
to be a challenge this century and it must be dealt with.
People of all faiths who believe in peace should speak out
and condemn these attacks, and they have.The goal of
terrorism is to bring havoc and to instill fear into the lives
of many.Jesus message was always Be not afraid.Let us
never forget that.We lift up these families in our prayers
and we pray for comfort and healing at this time.May
these situations be a reminder that none of us is promised
tomorrow. James says, What is your life? The length of
your life is as uncertain as the morning mist.May we live
every day to the fullest as though it could be our last.May
we work to be agents of peace and justice in a world of fear
and terrorism.As we approach Thanksgiving, may we take
the time to acknowledge and lift up the many blessings that
we have in our lives.

plan to hire a Business

Administrator in the
New Year. We will have
a celebration reception
for Linda on Sunday,
December 6th at 10:30
a.m. in the Gathering
Hall to thank her for her
many years of service
to Woodmont.Also, we
are now starting a love offering for Linda so that members
can also express their appreciation in that way as well. Her
final day will be before Christmas.We are hoping to get the
new person in place soon so that Linda can train him/her.It is
with sincere appreciation that we prepare to say good-bye in
the coming weeks.I will give the rest of the column to Linda:
Dear Woodmont,
Many years have passed since I first walked into the
WCC mansion and up that beautiful staircase as I began
my time with Woodmont.Little did I know that twenty-two
years later, I would still be making that walk.Time truly
does get away, doesnt it? Life and circumstances change;
our families grow and we must adapt as best we can. And
so, it is with many mixed emotions that I must let you know
my time with Woodmont is ending. My final day will be
December 15. After a little cleanup work in Nashville
(house-selling, packing, etc.), I will be relocating to Florida
to be near my daughter and family.Grandchild #3 will
arrive in early March!And Ill look forward to my USMC
son coming home from the Middle-East late in April!Yes,
life does change.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, there are many things for

which I am thankful.Among them health, family, my wife,
my children, friendships, my job, shelter, food, clothing, the
ministries of Woodmont.My list is long.This Thanksgiving,
I am especially thankful for my long-time assistant Linda
Whitson.Two weeks ago, Linda told me that she has made
the hard decision to move to Jacksonville, Florida at the
end of this year to be closer to her daughter Paula who is
expecting her third child in a few months.Linda came to
Woodmont in the fall of 1993. She has been at this church
for over 22 years now which is incredible.She has been
my right hand person and our staff administrator for many
years.She has provided unceasing support to our board
chairs and other lay leaders over the years. She will be
greatly missed and will leave a tremendous void.I am deeply
grateful for her tireless service to this church over the years
and for the many lives she has impacted, including mine.
It is hard for many to understand what goes into running
a church like Woodmont but Linda knows and sees it all.I
would say that Linda has done as much pastoral care in her
position as any of the rest of us.Words cannot adequately
express our gratitude. We have already started interviewing
candidates for the position of Executive Assistant and we

As I think back over the years, I continue to be amazed

at all the great work that has taken place both on and off
this property.Few days have gone by that I didnt go home
feeling proud of the work accomplished here on this corner.
You are an amazing congregation! For me - I look forward
to hugging lots of necks over the next few weeks and
expressing my love and appreciation for each of you.Thank
youthank youfor those special and precious times I
have enjoyed with you.Keep on keeping on.there is still
much work to be done!
With gratitude and love,
Linda Whitson

"It's the Quality of Love That Counts"

by Farrell Mason

Over the last year, my mother

and my son Charlie embarked
on quite an exciting adventure
researching our family history.
As it turns out, the family tree
is laden with intrigue, scandal,
royal liaisons, great betrayals,
many a love tryst and triangle,
an unfortunate decapitation or
two, children banished to the
Tower of London, and not one,
but two Byzantium Emperors
(Baldwin II in particular was
famous for losing his shirt in the Crusades and pawning off
the Crown of Thorns to King Louis of France to pay his
debts. Today this most precious relic resides at Notre Dame
Cathedral in Paris!).
As they say, reality is far more interesting and heartbreaking than fiction. And every family tree is planted in a
rich soil of drama. We love to throw out the psychological
term, "dysfunctional" to describe the unsavory, but what
does one expect when human beings share the same hot
blood and are flawed from the start. Family theatrics,
struggle, heart break, disappointment, and yes, surprises
of redemption have been part of the human family story
since our dust was enlivened with breath. Find me a
family absent of divorce, adultery, sibling rivalry, prodigal
sons and daughters, step monsters, and black sheep. It's
no wonder we read the Bible and Shakespeare without a
flinch. It's our story. Cradle to grave our narrative is written
by our familial relationships.
Recently, there was an Op Ed article in the New York
Times that suggested 2/3 of polled families, from the level
of cousin or closer, are currently not on speaking terms.
With Thanksgiving coming around, I would like to focus
on the potential for surprises of redemption on our family
trees. Like it or not, we are each guilty of hurting the ones we
claim to love the best. We commit these spiritual breaches
that wound the heart and diminish the light of those closest
to us. Why is it that we have a difficult time showing up
with the best version of ourselves inside our own families?
We make the effort for people at work, church, and even
strangers. And yet, inside the family nucleus we slip into
selfishness, are quick to point out the other's flaws, and see
our needs, opinions, and rights as superior to all others.
I'll be the first to confess that I don't particularly enjoy
walking in another person's shoes. I'm perfectly happy with
my size nine view of the world. And yet, tunnel vision is a
recipe for family drama. It's the reason so much gets lost in
translation and family gatherings turn into bloody mayhem.

Every single one of us could use a refresher lesson on

what I call "reading the heart." It means we suspend OUR
reality for just a moment to slip on the shoes of another
person. Suddenly, we are stupefied: "That's how they are
feeling?" "Wow! That's a whole lot of invisible baggage
they've been carrying around." "I had no idea they felt that
way." "Actually, we have more in common than not."
The moment we commit to carry around another
person's heart and see the world through their eyes, we
are humbled. And suddenly, the potential for healing and
glimmers of redemption are made possible.
We are all flawed, make mistakes, but underneath all
that hurt, misunderstanding and hot air, there lives a tender
heart that just wants to be seen, honored and loved. I'm
convinced of it.
What if our relationships are our spiritual legacy?
That somewhere out there Someone is tallying how well
we love, forgive, lift up, and treat those we claim to love
during our lifetime. That means our spouses, children, in
laws, siblings, and even that black sheep uncle. Maybe this
sounds ridiculous to you---good fodder for a novel. But take
a moment to reflect. Where else, but in our relationships,
do we reveal the best and worst of ourselves? It's in these
delicate exchanges that we expose how petty, shortsighted, selfish, and judgmental we can be. But also how
enlightened, compassionate, merciful, and loving we can
be. We must never forget that not one of us is beyond
judgment, or mercy!
Let's not wait for the eulogy to realize that life's meaning
and value is found in the quality of love given and received
over a lifetime.
Maybe it's time we ask ourselves: "What kind of
fingerprints are we leaving on other people's hearts?"
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Farrell

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness

received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse
to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the
following of that impulse.

- Henry Van Dyke
3

"Dimensions"
by Michael Graham

I was watching a video on the

confirmation of the Higgs boson
particle recently. One of the
scientists mentioned that many
theories of the last fifty years
assume multiple dimensions, and
that although they cannot prove
them, they believe they exist.
Fast-forwarding
to
a
Starbucks conversation this past
week, my son, Cary, asked, "Do
you think there are other dimensions?" I had to reply that I do
believe that heaven is another dimension. It certainly doesn't
seem to be in the cosmos as we know it. Angels travel between
heaven and earth, Jesus ascended into heaven. Yes, I think

there is a case for dimensions, for places that are accessed by

membership only.
One more fast-forward to my prayer time today
(11/13/15), I was reminded of the scripture where Jesus said,
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
They will go in and out and find pasture." There are times
when God's kingdom seems so real, that we feel as if we
have passed into another world. Maybe we have. Just maybe,
when we are walking close to God, He allows us to pass into
another dimension, another plane of existence- just for a little
while to be with Him. And although we cannot prove it, we
know it exists.

January 1 June 30, 2015 Memorials & Honorariums

Contribution in memory of:

Amy Alexander
Lola Alexander
Billie Brooks
Frank & Vivian Drowota
Sara Farrar
Judy Ginn
George E. Hetzel
Linn Patten
Gay Phinizy
Wayne Puckett
Earl Thomas
Ralph Wasson
Elliott Williams

Contributors:
Liz Anne & Chance Allen
Myrtle Ann Archer
Malcolm & Debbie Baird
Mrs. Donald Bathrick, Jr.
James & Carolyn Beckner
Frank & Patricia Bell
Edward E. Birthright
Robert & Peggy Bruce
John & Sandra Carpenter
Larkin C. Cathey
WCC Circle 2
Cathy Cobb
Gloria & John H. Coles
Sue & Walton Conn
JoAnn P. Crossetta
Doris Dark
Moulton Farrar
Jade & Nick Forlidas
Sallye & John Galloway
Jim & Jamie Garvey
Steve & Sue Gupton
Debbie D. Hendrix
John J. & Martha M. Hobby
Julie Howell
Gayle W. Hughes
Julie Ingman
William W. & Betty C. Johnson
Pat Johnston
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Josephson
Jean Knox
Dr. & Mrs. Peter J. Kyne
Steven & Deb LaForge
Joseph & Carol Luckey
Randy & Ann Luther
James & Jane Main
4

Pat & Dave Malone

Alberta Martin
Martha McCallister & Lynn Richardson
Mary Beth McLaurine
Dorothy Millen
Don & Anne Mitchell
W. L. Moore
G. William & G. Bell Newton
Catherine O'Bryan
Ralph & Carol Parsons
Dr. & Mrs. W. Thomas Patten, Jr.
Sarah P. Peay
Maurice W. Pinson
Woody & Angela S. Powers
Eugene & Elizabeth Regen, Jr.
Emily G. Richards
F. Margean Roady
Bryan Sargent
Julian C. Scruggs, Jr.
Corina Seavers
Joe & Jeanie Taylor
Pam Trautman
Sallie & Don Walker
F. Wilson Wattenbarger
Richmond B. & Christina G. Williams
Dan & Marsha Willis
Jeannette Roady Wise
Pamela Zimmerman
Contribution in honor of:
Kay & Bob Garrard's 50th Anniversary
Contributor:
Pamela Zimmerman

Living Generously, Changing Lives

Woodmont's Generosity and Compassion Changes Lives - Everywhere

The South Carolina Flood Disaster: Woodmont Members Respond

In early October, South Carolina experienced unremitting
rains that resulted in a thousand year flood event. It was not
unlike what Nashville experienced in May 2010.
Four Woodmont members traveled to the flood
damaged area around Columbia, SC, to assist homeowners
who experienced severe flood damage. All are trained
volunteers for Hope Force International (HFI), a Christian
based disaster response organization that coordinated the
clean up efforts there at no cost to those receiving help.
Steve LaForge and Susan Batson were among the first team
of HFI reservists arriving from across the U.S. to do the hard
work of removing water damaged furniture and household
possessions, as well as tearing out carpet, flooring, walls
and insulation for homeowners, mostly in isolated or low
income neighborhoods. Arriving later to help with the
deconstruction was Deb LaForge, who flew directly to South

Carolina from Atlanta after spending the week in Guatemala

with Woodmonts mission group. When HFI put out a call
for a volunteer to document the clean up with photos, video
and interviews of those affected, Dara Howe heeded the call
and spent a week doing a variety of tasks to support HFIs
efforts and provide a compassionate presence for affected
homeowners, four of whom were single women head of
household or living alone. It was a humbling experience
for all of us, Dara said. It was a blessing to be able to
serve God by helping
these
mis-fortunate
individuals.
Several
had an incredibly strong
faith in the Almighty
that was inspirational,
to say the least.

The trip was filmed featuring Woodmont volunteers, Hopeforce representatives, and flood victims. Watch the video by
visiting https://vimeo.com/142028043. Learn more about Hopeforce (located in Brentwood, TN) at www.hopeforce.org.

Dara Howe with "Miss Hattie", a

widow and cancer survivor with
an unwavering faith that "God
will make things right." She is
living with a friend since her
house was devastated.

Deb LaForge with "Miss Teresa"

whose house was badly damaged
when the roof failed. She found
her smile when we returned on the
second day.
Susan Batson with flood
victim "Lisa." She now
considers us her forever
'Hopeforce Family' after
clearing her home of
muck and debris.

Here are Deb and Steve LaForge

removing windows and siding on
walls heavily damaged from a failed
roof on "Miss Teresa's" house.
Would you like to learn
more about being part
of a disaster team?
Contact Steve LaForge
at 615-390-3458.

Horeb UMC in Lexington,

SC, was the host church
that served as base camp
for HFI, providing housing
and some meals in a vacant
house on church property.
5

Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others - Woodmont's Way of Life
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends. John 15:13

20 Woodmonters and friends went on the Morgan Scott Mission Trip, November 12 - 15, 2015. They completed three projects
to improve the quality of life for those in need in Morgan and Scott counties:
1. Built a 10'x12' covered deck with a 12' wheel chair ramp for Billy (who has Cerebral Palsy).
2. Built a 28' wheel chair ramp with an 8' landing and another 16' ramp for an older gentleman, Bobby Thomas, who has had
several surgeries including hip replacement.
3. Primed and painted an entire 3 bedroom house. Also tore up old flooring and installed laminate and cleaned.

Guatemala Backpacks on their way to Sponsored Friends!

Thank you so much for packing a backpack and vicariously traveling to Guatemala with Woodmont!
We packed 6 full duffel bags of backpacks, 78 in all,
and happily received missionary status from Delta so
that those bags could fly free to Guatemala City. From
the airport, the bags were loaded onto the pick-up truck
and taken to the Unbound center in San Lucas Toliman.
Once there, we re-inflated all of the soccer balls, sorted
the backpacks and added a note saying that a group
from WCC was delivering a gift from their sponsor and
keeping their family in our prayers. The backpacks are
now in the hands of the social workers, many of whom
serve as many as 250 families. Your family's social
worker will be hand delivering the backpacks, and as
you know that takes a bit of time both to be received and
acknowledged, but that doesn't diminish the surprise
Backpacks at the San Lucas
One backpack without a name.
and excitement with which your gift will be received.
Can
you
identify
this
so
that
it
Toliman Center
Thank you for your generosity and love that you are
can
go
with
the
high
schoolers
sending out into the world,
this summer? Please let Ana in
Team Woodmont 2015
the Woodmont office know :)

Room In the Inn

Volunteers are needed for upcoming dates (dinner host or

sack lunches).Please consider signing up for one of the
following:11/27, 12/4, 12/18, 12/25, 1/1, and 3/25.To sign up
visitwww.bit.ly/RITIWCC.

Room In The Inn (RITI) Clothes Closet needs donations of new

socks, boxers, t-shirts (L, XL and 2XL), gently used/new men's
winter hats, gloves, coats andclothing.Items can be droppedoff
at South Hall or the Mansion marked "RITI" or you may contact Deb LaForge for pickup. Questions? Call Deb at 615-4968183 or emaildivegirldj@yahoo.com.
6

Woodmont's Christian Women's Fellowship

(CWF) and Circle Meetings
Growing in the Presence of
Christ and Each Other

The November CWF enjoyed learning about The Bridge

Ministry from its founder Blake Parks - it is a non profit
organization made up of 'people with a passion for the poor',
particularly those living under the Jefferson Street bridge.
(not our wonderful worship service with the same name)

Betty York and the 40 afghans

she crocheted for The Bridge Ministry.

Circle Four Members:

Pat Malone, Pat Johnston, Martha Thetford, Lee Ann
Hawkins, Mary Hawkins, Barbara Stewart, Diane
Tucker, Edith Johnston, Ellen Dillon, Liz Anne
Allen, Dara Howe, Jane Clay Meadors.

Circle One members:

Back row: Barbara Sullivan, Sallye Galloway, Sarah
Peay, Sallie Walker, Virginia Lewis. Julie Howell.
Front row: Edwyna Griscom, Anne-Marie Farmer,
Kay Butterworth, Doris Dark.

NEW Class for 2016: Right, Left, Christian

Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room led by Clay Stauffer
Please RSVP for class to sara@woodmontcc.org. Each class is limited to 25 people.
Some Christians are Democrats. Some Christians are Republicans. Some
Christians are Liberals. Some are Conservatives. As we prepare for an eventful
presidential election year, we can all acknowledge that polarization is a growing
issue in our culture.Clay Stauffer will lead a five week series beginning January
20, 2016, focusing on issues related to faith and politics.The series will include
presentations and discussions.
Each class is limited to 25 people. Please RSVP to Sara deBettencourt, sara@
woodmontcc.org if you would like to participate and note if you are signing up
for all five classes or specific dates.
Schedule of Wednesdays:
January 20 Faith, Politics, Polarization and the Need for Respectful Dialogue
January 27 The Formation of Liberals and Conservatives
February 3 The Politics of Jesus
February 10 Ash Wednesday Service (no class)
February 17 Hot Issues: Abortion, Same Sex Marriage, Death Penalty, etc..
February 24 Room for All at the Table Disciples DNA
Select readings from:
- Preaching Politics: Proclaiming Jesus in An Age of Money, Power, and

Partisanship (Clay Stauffer) Chalice Press, 2016
- Hijacked: Moving Beyond the Partisan Church Divide (Slaughter, Gutenson)
- The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided Over Religion and

Politics (Jonathan Haidt)
- Seeing Gray In A World of Black and White (Adam Hamilton)
7

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13, 1-7 PM

Shop Keepers (WE NEED SHOP KEEPERS URGENTLY):
1. Pottery Shop - Makes thumb-print lamps for guests to take
with them. These are small amounts of clay balls made into a
'bowl' with the thumb then pinched for a grip to carry.
2. Pottery Wheel - Have experience working with clay on a
potter's wheel? The shop keeper works with volunteers (children) before the event for a couple of weeks to show them
the basics. In Bethlehem, the Master Potter and the volunteer
'apprentices' work the wheel!
3. Weaving - Engages guests by weaving hemp rope bracelets
for/with them to take home. The current shop keeper is looking for someone to work with her in being co-shopkeeper for
this year and then turning the shop over next year.
Shop Keepers do not need to be just one person - there can be
2-3 people working together as "partners". Shop Keepers also
get to decorate their shop and help clean up and packing away
decorations for the next year at the end of the event on Sunday,
December 13. If you have any questions about a specific role,
contact WTB Event Chair, Steve Smith at steve@sska.com.
Need More Info? Please contact Paul Hardin by emailing me
at gpaulhardinjr@gmail.com or by calling (615) 641-2287.
Snacks:
We need volunteers to provide snacks and meals for setup
and tear down days. Typical snacks donated include: fruits,
donuts, muffins, snack mix, chips, cookies, peanut butter
crackers, cheese crackers, pretzels, granola bars, etc. Snacks
may be delivered to the church from Sunday, December 6,
through, Wednesday, December 9. You may leave the snacks:
at the church office during normal office business hours, in a
WTB-labeled cart for snack drop-off in the space between the
kitchen and the gym, or with Pam Hardin if you see her at the
church. If you have questions please contact Pam at pamhardin92@gmail.com or (615) 641-2287.

Meals:
If you are able to provide a meal during setup and tear-down,
please contact Pam Hardin at pamhardin92@gmail.com or
(615) 641-2287 for details. We still need meals for the following dates with the approximate volunteer counts:
Tuesday, December 8, Dinner (10 volunteers)
Thursday, December 10, Dinner (10 volunteers)
Monday, December 14, Dinner (10 volunteers)
Tuesday, December 15, Lunch (25 volunteers)
Greenery for Bethlehem building decorations:
We need people that have greenery to provide clippings for use
around various Bethlehem buildings. Greenery may include
the following: ivy, evergreen clippings, and related greenery.
If you are able to provide greenery clippings, please contact
Paul Hardin at gpaulhardinjr@gmail.com or (615) 641-2287
for the drop-off location at the church. The greenery should
not be cut and delivered before Saturday, December 12. If it
is cut and delivered before that time it becomes too dried out
and unusable.
WTB Costume Check Out, Dates/Times at the top floor of
the Mansion:
Sunday, Nov. 22: 9am-12pm
Sunday, Nov. 29: 9am-12 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 2: 5pm-7pm
Sunday, Dec. 6: 9am-12pm and 4:30pm-6pm
WTB short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, and hoodies will
be on sale in the Gathering Space on Nov. 22. Stop by and see
our new colors. Cash and checks only.
Can you Sew? This is straight stitch sewing - medium children's costumes. They are cut out and bagged, and are in the
church office (the Mansion). Instructions are included. Thank
you for helping add to our WTB Costume Room.

Woodmont Christian Church - Quick Financial Summary - July to September 2015

July, 2015 - September, 2015
2015/2016
Actual
Budget
Budget/Actual Annual Budget
Receipts and Revenues
Pledges--Current Year
$ 371,968.42 $ 485,388.00 $ (113,419.58 $ 2,224,695.00
Non-Pledges
45,831.59
31,632.00
14,199.59
144,980.00
Other Receipts and Revenues
27,503.60
15,050.00
12,453.60
49,700.00
Total Receipts and Revenues
445,303.61 532,070.00
(86,766.39)
2,419,375.00
Expenditures & Disbursements
(C)ONNECT
(R)ESOURCE
(E)QUIP
(W)ORSHIP
Total Expenditures & Disbursements
Net Surplus/(Deficit)

40,762.57
467,866.22
20,594.35
15,912.72
545,135.86

57,066.00
494,982.00
30,307.00
21,255.00
603,610.00

(16,303.43)
(27,115.78)
(9,712.65)
(5,342.28)
(58,474.14)

261,955.00
1,952,485.00
108,000.00
96,935.00
2,419,375.00

$ (99,832.25) $ (71,540.00 $ (28,292.25)

$-

* Note: Year-to-date pledge income does not include $144,420.75 of pre-paid pledges.

4th Annual Spiritual Journeys for Women Retreat

led by Anne Alexander Stauffer

The Wonder of Winter: A Return to Simplicity

Saturday, Dec. 5th at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6th at noon

Bethany Hills Retreat Center Kingston Springs, Tennessee

Retreat Highlights Include:

Keynote Talks and Spiritual Direction by Anne Alexander Stauffer
Fireside Story Telling and Creative Expression with Beth Easter
A Special Time for Yoga with Lauren Clanton
Sunday Outdoor Advent Worship Service with Christy Crider performing
A Very Special Letting Go Ceremony at Onsites Labyrinth (Sunday afternoon to close our retreat)
We will also enjoy fabulous food and plenty of free time for beautiful bonfires and nature walks
The cost is $100 per person for both days. Saturday only participation is $50.00
Scholarship assistance is available

The Deadline to Register is Monday, November 23!

Register online at www.spiritualjourneys4womenretreats.com

Please contact Mary Glynn Williamson at maryglynnwilliamson@

gmail.com or 615.330.2594 with questions. We invite you to
experience our class, Spiritual Journeys for Women on Sundays at
9:30 a.m. in The Bay Room at Woodmont Christian Church.

GEMS(G)reet, (E)at, (M)eet, and (S)ocialize

Trivia Test - Part 2 - The Answers!

Questions were published two weeks ago in the Spire...

Number of Attics? 2
Number of Basements? 3
Number of Exterior Entries? 32
How many Water Heaters (include the 2 at South Hall and the 1 at the
Parsonage)? 9
5. How many HVAC (heat and air) units (include the 4 at South Hall, 1 at the
Parsonage, and count the big chiller/boiler as 7)? 36
6. Number of parking spaces (DON'T count parking on the grass. )? 277
7. How many bathrooms? 27
8. How many "stalls" in all of those bathrooms? 51
9. Number of sinks in all of those bathrooms? 36
10. Number of class/meeting/office rooms? 61
11. How many storage/equipment rooms? 60
12. How many light fixtures? 1,100+
13. How many light bulbs in all of those fixtures? 2,500+
14. How tall is the Spire Steeple (from ground to the top of the cross)? 211
feet 7 inches (The original blueprint plan is 9 feet long)
15. How many stairs steps are in the building? Who knows? Not even Sam
knows the answer to this question.
1.
2.
3.
4.

GEMS Save the Dates!

*December 10, Thursday

A Special Christmas GEMS on A Special Day*
January 26, Tuesday
February 23, Tuesday
March 22, Tuesday
April 26, Tuesday
May 24, Tuesday
Watch upcoming Spire/Inspire News for more information on
our programs. All meetings will be at Noon in Room 105. Catered
Meals: $8.00 *Reservations may be made by calling the church 615-297-8563, or by emailing Areese@woodmontcc.org.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT
WOODMONT KIDS!

11.15.15 THANKS & GIVING MEAL

Hanging of the Greens is November 29th!

We Hang the Greens and Sing!

What time we are meeting that evening? Where are we meeting before the
service starts? Find out these details in the Youth Newsletter (Wednesdays)
and at Youth Group/Sunday School. Want to be added to the newsletter?
Email Katie at katie@woodmontcc.org.

Woodmont Youth Group Ski Trip

December 28-31, 2015 - West Virginia
Trip Highlights:
Two Days of Skiing at Winterplace Ski Resort
Ski Lessons ~ Snow Tubing
Shopping at Tamarack Crafts Mall
Exhibition Coal Mine Tour (Optional)

CLICK HERE to download

the trip brochure.
To register, visit
www.bit.ly/WYSki2015

The Season of A dvent

Worship

Events

Morning Worship

9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

in the Sanctuary featuring
Special Music and Performances
each Sunday of Advent.

First Sunday, Hope

November 29, 2015

Sermon: A Season of Hope
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6,
Matthew 1:18-2:12, Romans 5:1-5
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching

Second Sunday, Peace

December 6, 2015
Sermon: A Season of Peace
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-6, John 14:25-27
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching

Third Sunday, Joy

December 13, 2015

Sermon: A Season of Joy
Scripture: Micah 4:1-4, Luke 2:1-20
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching
Walk Thru Bethlehem Sunday

November 29, 6:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Hanging of the Greens followed by
The Tasting Party in Drowota Hall

Fourth Sunday, Love

December 20, 2015

Sermon: A Season of Love
Scripture: John 1:1-14, I John 4:7-12
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching

The Bridge Worship

5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall

First Sunday, Hope

November 29, 2015
Trey Flowers, preaching

Second Sunday, Peace

December 6, 2015
Justin Gung, preaching

December 13, Walk Thru Bethlehem

1-7 p.m. in Drowota Hall

Third Sunday, Joy

December 13, 2015

Walk Thru Bethlehem Sunday
Lessons and Carols
every hour on the hour
(3:00, 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00 p.m.)

Fourth Sunday, Love

December 20, 2015
Trey Flowers, preaching

Bridge Christmas Concert with

Lessons & Carols

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion

11

Next Weeks Calendar

Woodmont's Elders Invite You to Join Them in Prayer for:

The victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris and the people of France.
Sunday, November 22, Thanksgiving Sunday
Those preparing to build Walk to Bethlehem.
Angel Tree in the Gathering Hall (all Angels sponsored!)
Gratitude for the wonderful gifts God has given us.
9:00 a.m.
Scouts Distributing Wreaths (Porte-cochre outside
The Food Project as it feeds more people daily.

area at the South end of the building)
The Stephen Ministers as they meet with care receivers.
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services
4:30 p.m.
WCC Youth Thanksgiving Dinner (Going off Campus)
5:15 p.m.
The Bridge Worship (DH)
Monday, November 23
4:00 p.m.
"Geezers" Men's Group (BR)
Tuesday, November 24
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)
6:00 p.m.
Handbell Practice (Choir Room)
Wednesday, November 25
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study (105)
Thursday, November 26 - Happy Thanksgiving!
Woodmont's Church office and building are closed Thursday November
26 and Friday November 27.
Prayers for Our Church Family
IN THE HOSPITAL:
Mary Webb, Grandmother of Martha Gaylon, Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast
NEW CONCERNS:
Jane Drury, Sister of Mark Drury
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Sandra Kyne
Chip Phinizy
Faith Cartelli
Beverly McQueeney, mother of Deb LaForge
Jane Drury, sister of Mark Drury
Hale Hooper
Penny Stelling
MILITARY:
Lt. Ryan Whitson, son of Linda Whitson, Middle-East
By Our Presence and Our Gifts
Date
Sun. School Total Atd.
Operating
October 25
332
796
$24,415
November 1
353
806
$47,751
November 8
310
758
$82,165
November 15
326
831
$34,920
Worship Services - November 22, 2015
Thanksgiving Sunday
Morning Worship 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Preaching
Sermon: "Fear or Gratitude"
Scripture: Psalm 100 and Philippians 4:4-9
The Bridge Worship, 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall
Trey Flowers, Preaching
Series: "Tables" Sermon: "Fasting at the Table of the Lord"
Scripture: John 13:1-17, 31-35

Morning Worship in the Sanctuary

Evening Worship at The Bridge

Deacons Serving November 22, 2015

Communion Prep:
Jennifer Ottinger
Service Coordinator:
9:30 - Tom Dovan 11:00 - Patricia Taylor
Video Camera:
9:30 - Mari-Kate Hopper 11:00 - Janet Wall
5:15 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Jay Everett
Laura Beth Brown
Billy Crawford
Rebecca Everett
Roy Jordan
Talbott Ottinger
Kristen Newman
Cathy Williams
Ellen Cochran
Stuart Lackey
Jerry Johnson
Rob Cochran
Ann Rising
Hope Walker
Barbara Sullivan
Mike McConnell
Laurie Hester
Honey Hetzel
Jim Hester
Peggy Burrahm

Elders Serving November 22, 2015

9:30 a.m.
Pat Malone
and
Mart Sesler
11:00 a.m.
Mary Kiger
and
Rich Sanderson
Pat Malone (Hospital)
5:15 p.m.
Fran Stewart

Staff Serving Woodmont

Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

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

Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors, "The Bridge"

Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"

Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse & Small Group Coordinator

Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Martha Duff, Director of Preschool Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director Ana Reese, Receptionist
Maddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry Coordinator Katie Sheridan Gossage, Assistant Youth Ministry Director Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager Stephen Austin, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping