The Spire

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

JANUARY 4, 2016

THREE CONSECUTIVE WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY!

WEEK
1: SEEKING
December
18, 2016
Our first Discipleship class will focus on our core beliefs as Christians. We will discuss what the church is
and what the church is not, why we need the church, and why the Christian Church was started.
Why is the unity of the church important? What is the biblical image of the church?
What is expected of church members?
We will answer these questions and more! Our discussion will include the theology behind the Lords
Supper, Baptism, and how faith and spirituality is an ongoing journey.

New staff member!

Alexis James Waggoner

Intern for Adult Education and Discipleship
Alexis James Waggoner is a theologian and educator.
She teaches at Belmont University as an adjunct
professor and is the founder of The Acropolis Project
(http://theacropolisproject.com), an organization
dedicated to raising the bar of theological education
in communities of faith. She also serves as a chaplain
in the Air Force Reserves and is passionate about
ministering to women in places where they are often
marginalized. She has an M.Div from Union Theological
Seminary in New York, a husband of 13 years, and a
baby named Junia.
Woodmont Christian Church 615.297.8563 www.woodmontchristian.org 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, Tennessee 37215

OUR MIS SION:

Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God,
Sharing Love, and Serving Others.

Woodmonts 2017 Nominating Committee is now accepting

Woodmonts
2017 Nominating Committee
nominations for the following leadership positions:
Treasurernominations
/Secretary(1)
is now accepting
for the
Board Members at-large (3)
Elders (6)
following leadership
positions:
Deacons (30)

Treasurer /Secretary(1)

OUR CORE VA LUES:

Welcoming
Outstanding Worship
Outreach
Different Traditions
Mission & Ministry
On The Move
Nurturing
Transforming
WOODMONTS MINISTERIAL STAFF

QUALIFICATIONS TO CONSIDER
Board Members
at-large
(3) own understanding and practice of
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Leaders must be active in the congregations
life and seek to
grow in their
Elders
(6)selection of persons for leadership positions: Dr. C. Roy Stauffer Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
a Christian life. The following shall be considered
in the

Deacons (30)

Does the nominee:

- continually serve Woodmont with faithful devotion,
- seek andQUALIFICATIONS
share opportunities for TO
spiritual
growth with others,
CONSIDER
give
of
his/her
time,
talent,
and
treasure,
Leaders must be active in the congregations life
and seek to grow in their
- regularly attend worship services,
own understanding
and
practice
of
a
Christian
life.
The following shall be
- sustain being actively involved in a Small Group or Sunday School class,
considered
in
the
selection
of
persons
for
leadership:
- possess the ability to lead from a Christ centered and compassionate
heart without judgment,
- exhibit commitment to living generously and changing lives,
Does
- live a mission-centered life
that the
Seeksnominee:
God, Shares Love and Serves Others.

- continually serve Woodmont with faithful devotion,

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS! VISIT www.bit.ly/nom2017
- seek and share opportunities for spiritual growth with others,
- give of his/her time, talent, and treasure,
- regularly attend worship services,
- sustain being actively involved in a Small Group or Sunday School class,
- possess the ability to lead from a Christ centered and compassionate heart
without judgment,
- exhibit commitment to living generously and changing lives,
- live a mission-centered life that Seeks God, Shares Love and Serves Others.
WOODMONTS 2017 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Mark Clymer (Chair) - mclymer@clymermd.com
Rich Sanderson - rjsanderson22@gmail.com
Robin Heyne - robinheyneInteriors@comcast.net
Jeremiah Pyron - jeremiahpyron@gmail.com
Laurie Hester - lmiercmu@yahoo.com
Kathy Patten - kathy.s.patten@gmail.com
Talbott Ottinger - tottinger@mckenzielaird.com
Steve Mchugh - bbmchugh@ourblakeford.com
Liz Smith - liz.smith@vanderbilt.edu

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS! VISIT www.bit.ly/nom2017

pg 2

Rev. Justin Gung Minister of Children & Congregational Care

Farrell Mason Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Chris Cox Minister of Youth
Michael Graham Director of Music Ministry
Mary Clare Pyron Parish Nurse
Katie Sheridan Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Thom Schuyler Director of Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge
Stephen Daniel King Worship Musician
Abby McLean Childrens Ministry Director
Ann Marie Farmer Director of Small Groups & Connections

WOODMONTS 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 info@woodmontcc.org
Get the most up-to-date information at
www.woodmontchristian.org
Woodmont Christian Church
3601 Hillsboro Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37215
615.297.8563

Woodmont in 2017!
by Clay Stauffer

As we turn the page to a new year and say good bye to 2016, many of us will make goals or
resolutions. We will identify things we want to improve and work on in our own lives. This is
healthy and it makes perfect sense. As a church we do this every year as well. Each January, we
identify THREE FOCUS AREAS at Woodmont for the New Year. Obviously, these areas will not
be our only focus areas as a church but they will be our primary focus areas. In forming these
areas, I received feedback from the Board, Elders, and Staff and have had conversations with many
different members of our church. Here they are:
1) SMALL GROUPS & CONNECTION We have a tremendous small group ministry at Woodmont where relationships are
built, spiritual formation happens, mission takes place, and community is strengthened. As any church grows larger, it must
also grow smaller through additional small groups. We must be intentional to connect newer members into the life of our
church and give longer term members a chance to form new relationships. We are ready to now take this to the next level.
Anne Marie Farmer has joined our staff as our new Director of Small Groups and Connection. This will now be her primary
area of focus. If you are interested in leading a new small group or joining a small group, please contact her (annemarie@
woodmontcc.org). We will be working on an inventory of our existing small groups (there are many) and working to recruit
and train new small group leaders. A small group typically has anywhere from 6-20 people. They come in many shapes and
sizes. Many of you know how important small groups are in your own lives and we want to expand our small group network
to get people more involved in spiritual formation. This is where some of the greatest spiritual growth takes place in the life
of the church.
2)
EVERY MEMBER IN MINISTRY Part of our tradition in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a belief in the
Priesthood of All Believers. What this means is that everybody is called to be involved in ministry, not just the paid and
ordained staff. We can have a much larger impact on this world if we have 1600 people involved in ministry as opposed to just
15. We are all called to identify our own spiritual gifts and then use them to spread Christs love to a hurting world. We want
EVERYBODY at Woodmont involved in some form of ministry and it doesnt necessarily have to be at Woodmont. It might
be teaching childrens Sunday School, being a youth sponsor, being part of the new Shepherds Team that helps with safety
and security, singing in the choir, volunteering for Room in the Inn, the Nashville Food Project, or Habitat for Humanity. It
could be sponsoring a family in Guatemala through Unbound, serving on the visitation committee, or being a part of the New
Member Assimilation Committee. It might be volunteering at Second Harvest, Faith Family Medical Center, or Community
Care Fellowship in East Nashville. We all have different gifts and talents and God is calling us to use them on a regular basis.
The church is not a spectator sport or a place where we simply come to consume services. We are all called to be active in
ministry and mission on a regular basis. This is what it means to be a missional church, equipped and sent out into the world.
3) CAMPUS PLAN We take great pride in our campus. The church is not a place or a building, its the people. However,
at Woodmont we are blessed with a beautiful facility in the heart of Nashville. As the church grows and changes, new needs
will arise. In recent months we have already made some changes. Once our family moved out of the parsonage last year,
Campbell West was renovated and is now a multi-use space. So far, it has been used for Elder Retreats, New Members
Dinners, Deacon Gatherings, Safety and Security Team Training, Young Adult Events, Youth Gatherings, and a host of other
things. We are blessed to have this additional space. We have just recently added additional parking on the South End of
the property by South Hall to give some parking relief on Sunday mornings. We will continue to think about how to best use
our campus to serve our mission and ministries. The board and leadership will be working on this and we want your input
in the process. We have ideas and visions for a multi-use chapel on the south end of the building with additional classrooms
underneath. Many of our childrens Sunday School classrooms are overcrowded, a great challenge to have. All of this we will
continue to explore in the months ahead.
These will be our primary areas of focus as we move into 2017. Each of these is important. You will hear more about them in
the coming weeks and months. Being active in a small group (or Sunday School class) as well as using your gifts for mission
and ministry is essential in creating a healthy, vibrant church. Thankfully, we have many people who are already doing this
but we want to develop more. Years ago, Rick Warren came up with the concept of concentric circles that represent different
pockets of people in the church. The goal is to keep moving towards the center so that we can be equipped to then go out
and serve the world!
Happy New Year! Heres to a great 2017!

P.S. I am recommending a new book The Present Future by Reggie

McNeal to our leaders. We have copies in our bookstore (see right).

ABOVE: A diagram of Rick Warrens

concentric circles

pg 3

Room In The Inn Update

by Deb LaForge

Each winter (November 1st thru March 31st), Room In The Inn partners with more than
195 congregations to provide emergency shelter in houses of worship throughout
Middle Tennessee. Woodmont Christian Church is one of the congregations that
partners with RITI each winter on Friday evenings to feed and shelter up to twelve men
for the night. We also do emergency nights when possible when the temperature
drops below freezing.
You can help by volunteering to be an overnight host (couples welcome - self inflating
beds available), help to cook and/or provide food including dinner, breakfast and sack
lunches. We also provide hygiene kits and a clothing closet for our guests. Donations to
the clothing closet are always welcome.
Help is still needed for RITI on the following scheduled Friday nights with these openings:
JANUARY 27TH:
1. Two overnight hosts, one able to drive the bus to pick up our guests from the main campus and then return them in the morning
2. Breakfast - frozen sausage, egg and cheese biscuits for 14, 1 gallon OJ, 1 gallon milk
MARCH 31ST:
1. Two overnight hosts, one able to drive the bus to pick up our guests from the main campus and then return them in the morning
For those that have never done RITI or want to know in what areas they can help, below is a listing of the needs for each night
that we host. Usually overnight and dinner hosts arrive around 5:00 pm to set up cots, tables and cook dinner for our guests.
We ask that breakfast and sack lunches be delivered by 5:30 pm so we are sure they will be there in the morning. Woodmont
has already hosted additional extra nights this season and we will certainly have more opportunities before the season is
over. When we are asked to host extra nights an email is sent out to those on the RITI list to see if there are enough volunteers
available to cover the need. Please take a look at the positions below. If you are interested in being included on the email list
to be notified when we are possibly going to do extra nights then email Deb LaForge (divegirldj@yahoo.com).
This list is a breakdown of what we need commitments for every night Woodmont hosts Room In The Inn:
1st Overnight Host
Able to drive bus to pick up in evening (leave church at 5:30
p.m.) and deliver back in morning (leave church at 6:00 a.m.)

Dinner - 1st Side dish (feed 18)

2nd Overnight Host

Dinner - 2nd Side dish (feed 18)

12 Sack Lunch Provider

Dinner - Salad and dressing (feed 18)

Breakfast Food Provider

(Frozen sausage biscuits, 1 gallon milk, 1 gallon OJ)

Dinner - Rolls, 1 gallon unsweet tea, 1 gallon sweet tea

Dinner - Main dish (feed 18)

Dinner - Dessert (feed 18)

News & Updates

From around Woodmont

SEEKERS CLASS BEGINS NEW STUDY THIS WEEK!

The text Mark: 20 Studies for Individual and Groups
by N.T. Wright is available in the Spire Bookstore and
also through Amazon.
Seekers gather at 8:15am on Sunday mornings
in Room 105 for coffee, breakfast snacks and
fellowship. The discussion begins at 8:30 and is open
to all adults. (Childcare is provided.) Come grow
in faith with us as we look to Gods Word for the
lessons it teaches us about our own lives.
pg 4

WOW

Birthdays January 1-15:

1/4 Hannah Johnson
1/11 Percy Mason John
1/12 Thomas Jackson
1/15 Lillian Douglas

January Memory Verse:

SUPERHERO
SUNDAY

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts

them into practice is like a wise builder who built his
house on bedrock. The rain fell, the floods came, and
the wind blew and beat against the
but it
didnt
Andhouse,
Superpower
Breakfast
fall because it was firmly set on bedrock.
- Matthew 7:24-25

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
come
WKids:
toOchurch
W!
dressed as

WOW

your favorite
Superhero,
Princess,
Sports Star
or any hero
you choose!
And Superpower Breakfast

SUPERHERO
SUNDAY

SUPERHERO
SUNDAYAnd Superpower Breakfast
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
pg 5

NEW CLASS!

Early History of the

Christian Church: The 1st
Century, 1801-1906
What and who is The Christian Church?
Join Sara Harwell Wednesday nights
at Woodmont as she begins a history
overview of the Disciples of Christ!
Saras presentation includes many
illustrations and photographs, along
with lecture and discussion time.
Week 1: Beginnings
1801-1830
Week 2: Growth and Controversy
1830-1865
Week 3: Outreach and Division
1865-1906
Areas of exploration include the
historical and cultural context of our
religious tradition, major milestones and
events, and profiles of influential people
within the denomination.
Come learn more about the background
of the Christian Church and how it
became what it is today!

pg 6

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

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

Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, Jan. 8
8:15 a.m.
Seekers Bible Study, Room 105
8:30 a.m.
Elder Meeting, Boardroom
9:40 a.m.
Navarro Child Dedication, Sanctuary
11:10 a.m.
Mooneyhan Child Dedication, Sanctuary
6:15 p.m.
Youth Group, Youth Wing

Monday, Jan. 9
3:00 p.m.
Geezers Mens Group, Boardroom
6:00 p.m.
CWF Circle #5, Room 105
Tuesday, Jan. 10
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11
6:15 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Womens Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone

CWF Circle #6, Boardroom
Thursday, Jan. 12
CWF Circle #2, Room 105
6:00 p.m.
Handbell Practice, Choir Room

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

Mens Small Group, Room 100

Original Mens Bible Study, Room 105
Younger Mens Bible Study, Boardroom
Grace Notes Practice, Kids Commons
Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, Drowota
Choir Practice, Choir Room
Holy Yoga, Room 105
Discipleship Class Week 1: Seeking,
Led by Clay Stauffer, Boardroom
History of the Christian Church Class,
Led by Sara Harwell, Room 100
Youth Basketball Practice, Drowota Hall

Upcoming Special Events

SUNDAY, JAN. 8, Woodmont Kids will be joined by some special friends from STARS: the Kids on the Block puppets! At 9:30 AM,
children will learn that no matter how different we are on the outside, were all the same on the inside. At 11 AM, children will learn
what to do if they see someone being bullied and what to do if they are being bullied themselves.
SUNDAY, JAN. 8, Seekers group begins a study on the gospel of Mark at 8:30 AM. The text is available in the bookstore and Amazon.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, Join certified instructor Brooke Lovelace in Room 105 for Holy Yoga at Woodmont! Holy Yoga complements
your efforts to worship, meditate, & fellowship! To register, email brookelovelace@me.com or visit www.gospelandyoga.com
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, Wednesday Night Dinners resume at 5:45 PM. RSVP FOR DINNER: www.woodmontchristian.org/signup
SUNDAY, JAN. 15, Woodmont Kids Superhero Sunday! Children come to church dressed as your favorite super hero, princess, sports
star, or any hero you choose! The fun begins with Superpower Breakfast at 9 AM in Drowota with breakfast served again at 10:30 AM.
TUESDAY, JAN. 17, The WCC Book Club will begin the new year by reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
Anita Demster will be the discussion leader at 10:30 AM in Room 107. Everyone is invited to attend.
SATURDAY, JAN. 21, Leadership Breakfast 9 AM with Dr. Rubel Shelly speaking on The Future of the Church. All Elders, Board
Members, Deacons, and spouses are asked to attend. Members also welcome to attend. RSVP www.woodmontchristian.org/signup
TUESDAY, JAN. 24, GEMS (Greet, Eat, Meet, & Socialize) January luncheon at noon in 105. RSVP www.woodmontchristian.org/signup

Wednesday 6:30 PM Classes in January

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, DISCIPLESHIP CLASS WEEK 1: SEEKING - With a focus on our core beliefs as Christians, this class will discuss
what the church is and is not, why we need the church, why the unity of the church is important, and more! Led by Clay Stauffer.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEEK 1: Beginnings 1801-1830. Led by Sara Harwell in 100.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, DISCIPLESHIP CLASS WEEK 2: SHARING - Led by Clay Stauffer, this class will help you identify your spiritual
gifts and strengths with discussion on practices like Bible Study, prayer, worship, stewardship, tithing, meditation, service, and more.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEEK 2: Growth and Controversy 1830-1865. Led by Sara Harwell, 100.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25, DISCIPLESHIP CLASS WEEK 3: SERVING - At Woodmont, we believe everybody should be involved in ministry
on a regular basis. In this class, Woodmonts mission & ministry leaders will be sharing what they do and how you can get involved.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25, EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEEK 3: Outreach and Division 1865-1906. Led by Sara Harwell, 100.
pg 7

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY:

NEW CONCERNS:
Beth Sowell

THE ELDERS ASK YOU TO

JOIN THEM IN PRAYER FOR:

Ed Kelly

Peaceful transition of the Presidency.

Al Richardson

CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Mike Wright

Lee Ann Hawkins

Anne Stauffer

Lynn Bowers

Those who are affected by natural

disasters.

Pete Kyne

Donnie Creighton Norman

The Cooper Family lost their home to a
fire on December 21st. An online recovery
fund has been set up for those who feel
led to help: www.crowdrise.com/coopersrecovery-fund.
Barbara Lynch, daughter of Bob and Peggy
Bruce, Tallahassee, FL
Pam Richardson

Safe travels during the holidays.

Anne Marie Farmer as she assumes
her new position as Director of Small
Groups and Connections.

Beverly Small
Gus Stranch, son of Gerard and Patty
Stranch

Room In The Inn.

Joyce Stanley, Jan Andersons sister

Carol Parsons
Clay Perry, son of Diane and Tim Perry,
grandson of Betty and Bill Johnson, Seattle
Ben Cherry

January 8, 2017 Elders and Deacons Serving

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Deacons Serving
Date
Sun. School Total Atd.
December 11
WTB
1291
December 18
315
933
December 25
No SS
241
January 1

Operating
$72,476
$136,190
$59,938
$108,502

Worship Services January 8, 2017

9:30, 9:45, & 11:00 A.M. WORSHIP
NEW SERIES! FOUNDATIONS: THINGS THAT
MATTER
Part 1: Foundations: This I Believe
Clay Stauffer
Matthew 7:24-29

Elders Serving

Communion Prep: Cynthia Arnholt

Service Coordinator: 9:30 - Tom Dovan
9: 45 - Jonathan Farmer 11:00 - Linda Webb
Video Camera: 9:30 - Phil Schmutz
11:00 - Jeremy Pratt
9:30 a.m.
9:45. a.m.
Tom Woodard
Chip Hooper
Steve LaForge Sara Kate Hooper
Shane Douglas
William Liles
Laura Beth Brown
Bette
Heather Douglas Christofersen
Pam Groom
Mike McConnell
Marty Jordan

9:30 a.m.
Fran Stewart
Mark Drury
9:45 a.m.
Mary Kiger

11:00 a.m.
Patricia Taylor
Darden Copeland
John Weldon
Christy Crider
Kirtley Whittington
Emily Carpenter
Barbara Sullivan
Jeremiah Pyron

11:00 a.m.
Pam Richardson
Rich Sanderson
Hospital -

John Hobby

DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES START JAN 11!

All classes meet at 6:30 p.m. in The Boardroom

SEEKING

SHARING

SERVING

Wed., Jan. 11

Wed., Jan. 18

Wed., Jan. 25

This class will focus on our core beliefs

as Christians. We will discuss what
the church is and is not, why we need
the church, and why the unity of the
church is important. We will discuss the
theology of the Lords Supper, Baptism,
and how faith and spirituality is an
ongoing journey.

This class will focus on spiritual practices

like Bible Study, prayer, worship,
stewardship, tithing, meditation, service,
and more. We will also talk about how
Christianity is more than just showing
up on Sunday - it is a way of life and a
way of treating others. A spiritual gifts
inventory will also be a part of this class.

This class will focus on ministry and

mission. At Woodmont, we believe
that everybody should be involved in a
ministry on a regular basis. Ministry is
not just something that the pastoral staff
does. It is something that God is calling
all of us to do. We have all been given
spiritual gifts and we need to identify them.