The Spire. Advent candle lighters. Child Dedication WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH JUNE DECEMBER 5, , Third Sunday of Advent, Dec.

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1 The Spire WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH JUNE DECEMBER 5, , 2018 Advent candle lighters Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 16 Child Dedication THE GALYON FAMILY, 9:30 AM SERVICE IAN FIELDS NAVARRO SON OF IAN AND KADY NAVARRO PHOTOS BY PATRICIA TAYLOR THE BURKS FAMILY, 11:00 AM SERVICE

Be the first to get Clay s new book! Scheduled for early 2019 release, copies of Spiritual Reflections on Faith, Values, and Culture are now available in Woodmont s bookstore.

This book addresses the deeper issues that matter most in life: faith, wisdom, values, spirituality, relationships, connection, and self-reflection.

2 Be the first to get Clay s new book! Scheduled for early 2019 release, copies of Spiritual Reflections on Faith, Values, and Culture are now available in Woodmont s bookstore. To pick up your copy, visit the bookstore on Sunday morning before or after service. Limited quantities available. This book addresses the deeper issues that matter most in life: faith, wisdom, values, spirituality, relationships, connection, and self-reflection. As our world becomes more and more secular, people remain restless and hungry to discuss these important topics. What does it mean to grow spiritually? What does it mean to do meaningful soul work? What are the values and priorities that should matter most? MINISTERIAL STAFF Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Dr. C. Roy Stauffer Minister of Adult Education & Church Life Rev. Justin Gung Minister of Children & Congregational Care Rev. Chris Cox Minister of Youth & Their Families Dr. Donovan McAbee Minister of Spiritual Formation Farrell Mason Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Dr. Ben Curtis Spiritual Director in Residence Why are we here? Why is there so much pain and hurt? Where is God when we need him? How do we find meaning and purpose? Clay Stauffer confronted these questions when his mother committed suicide. In this volume, his inspirational writing helps the rest of us piece together our fractured lives in this fractured world. - Senator Lamar Alexander I liked Clay from the moment I met him. When he told me he pastored a church in Nashville, I must confess, I didn t see that one coming. Clay has written this book about some really tough subjects facing so many of us today. Because of his kindness of heart, I look forward to reading Clay s perspective and wisdom on questions of Spirituality, values, faith and family. I believe we ll find his thoughts compelling. - Vince Gill Clay Stauffer has the gift of being able to convey scriptural insight with practical wisdom. I have personally enjoyed reading his take on how believers react to today s challenges and appreciate Clay s desire to see the church bring light to darkness. - Governor Bill Haslam, TN Dr. Clay Stauffer is known to most people as the Senior Minister at Woodmont Christian Church, but I personally know Clay as a truly caring person who lives his life demonstrating the faith and values he preaches. Clay is a young man I greatly admire and respect. I think you will find his writings to be inspirational in today s turbulent times. - R. Milton Johnson, CEO, Hospital Corporation of America I have known Clay Stauffer for many years. Clay is a unique individual smart, with an insatiable intellectual curiosity and a desire for finding truth. His writing is relevant and real. I ve learned so much from Clay. I m proud to call him my pastor and my friend. - Bill Carpenter, CEO, Life Point Health pg 2 PROGRAM STAFF Michael Graham Music Ministry Director Abby McLean Children s Ministry Director Katie Sheridan-Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge Stephen Daniel King Worship Leader, The Bridge Lauren Lucas Beuerlein Young Professionals & Couples Director Steve LaForge Missions Field Coordinator SUPPORT STAFF Chris Beck Business Administrator Martha Duff Preschool Director Sam Marsh Property & Facilities Manager Jan Anderson Administrative Assistant Amber Moss Executive Assistant Anne-Marie Farmer Small Groups & Connections Director Matt Diffenderfer Communications Director For the most up-to-date information, download Woodmont s Realm church directory app. Search for Realm Connect in itunes & Google Play. Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, Tennessee

Letting Christmas Come Alive by Clay Stauffer A number of years ago, there was an old tenured professor at Harvard Divinity School who was being subjected to considerable ridicule because of his

3 Letting Christmas Come Alive by Clay Stauffer A number of years ago, there was an old tenured professor at Harvard Divinity School who was being subjected to considerable ridicule because of his belief in the virgin birth of Jesus. One day, one of his younger colleagues challenged the old professor for holding what was regarded as an intellectually irresponsible position. The younger professor said, Do you mean to tell me that if some young woman from Boston came into the hospital and said she was going to have a baby, that she was a virgin, and that an angel had appeared to her, you would believe it? The old professor hesitated, thought for a long while, and then answered slowly: No, I probably wouldn t believe her story. I probably would dismiss her words. But I tell you one thing for certain: If that baby grew up to manhood and his teachings changed the whole course of history; if he grew up and died on a cross and eventually rose from the dead; if two thousand years later, over one third of the world s population called him Lord and Savior; if that happened, I think I might give her story a second hearing. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. And I would argue that for many today, there is still no room for Jesus. We re too busy. We re too successful. We re too damaged by organized religion. We re too distracted to let God break into our lives. The real meaning of Christmas is a gift that money can t buy and Amazon can t deliver. It s the gift of inner peace and joy deep within our soul that only the Christ child can bring. Peace is something that we all struggle with, but it s something that we all want desperately. There is a well-known Chinese proverb which says that, If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. Some will say, You can talk about peace in your big beautiful church and sing about it all day long, but in the real world, you better hire an attorney; in the real world, your better build a nuclear weapon; in the real world, you better keep a gun in your car and at your house to take care of your family because that s the way it is! And you know what? There is a sense in which this type of cynicism affects all of us and we believe it to be true. Sometimes it seems as though it doesn t matter whether we desire peace, or pray for peace, or want peace there is no guarantee for peace in this world. Yet as we enter this final week of the Advent season, all of us have to remember that peace must be more than a human ideal. Peace must be more than just a social goal or protest. Peace must be more than just a psychological state of being. It must be more than just wishful thinking by Christians and people of other faiths. It must become a reality in the way we live our lives. The biblical scholar William Barclay says this: Here is the amazingly new concept that God could and would become a human being. That God could enter into the life that we live. That eternity could appear in time. That somehow the Creator could appear in Creation in such a way that human eyes could actually see him. The miracle of Christmas is that God came down to earth to dwell among us. Through Christ, the divine became human. The eternal appeared in time. The Creator became a part of Creation. Or, as John so beautifully writes in the fourth Gospel, The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and full of truth. The real meaning of Christmas is the joy that we feel deep within our soul when we realize that God reached out to a hurting world. And we do live in a world where many are hurting and are longing for the joy of Christmas. Many people are alive, but they re not really living. Many people are going through the motions, but they re not really happy. Many people are present, but they re not really there. They re distant! They re sad! They re hurting! They re lonely. They re waiting! And I would say that during this final week of Advent, many of us need Christmas to come alive in our own hearts. And if we can keep our spiritual focus and celebrate it in the right way, it will. pg 3

Room In The Inn Update by Deb LaForge December 16th-31st Birthdays Audrey Talbert 12/16 William Billington 12/17 Bentz Rich 12/17 Silas Quinn 12/19 Eve Carr 12/21 Jack

Friday night, December 14, Liz Holley s Girl Scout Troop hosted our Room In The Inn dinner as well as supplied food for breakfast and made sack lunches for our guests.

I really want to thank them for hosting a night again this year. The guys really had a good time.

We will be enjoying another delicious pancake breakfast and you can come dressed as your favorite hero.

Whatever you think a hero is, please come dressed like them. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and then the line will pick back up after the 9:30 service is over.

We have needs for 2 overnight hosts (1 that can drive bus) on January 18th, 1 overnight host that can drive bus on February 22nd and both March 15th and 22nd are

4 Room In The Inn Update by Deb LaForge December 16th-31st Birthdays Audrey Talbert 12/16 William Billington 12/17 Bentz Rich 12/17 Silas Quinn 12/19 Eve Carr 12/21 Jack Thompson 12/22 Neilly Thompson 12/22 Harris Clymer 12/23 Banks Svec 12/23 Jesus 12/25 Carter Patten 12/28 Harper Hand 12/28 Barrett Davis 12/29 Tate Maggart 12/30 On Friday night, December 14, Liz Holley s Girl Scout Troop hosted our Room In The Inn dinner as well as supplied food for breakfast and made sack lunches for our guests. They served dinner and then sat down to eat with them. There was a lot of laughter and good times had by everyone that night. I really want to thank them for hosting a night again this year. The guys really had a good time. Super Hero Sunday Please fly on by for Superhero Sunday on Sunday, January 6th! We will be enjoying another delicious pancake breakfast and you can come dressed as your favorite hero. This could be a super hero like Batman or Spiderman, it could a princess, it could be a firefighter or a police officer! Whatever you think a hero is, please come dressed like them. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and then the line will pick back up after the 9:30 service is over. See you then! There are still some opportunities to serve on a regularly scheduled Friday nights this season. We have needs for 2 overnight hosts (1 that can drive bus) on January 18th, 1 overnight host that can drive bus on February 22nd and both March 15th and 22nd are completely open for hosts and food. Save The Date: Father/Daughter Dance Feb. 10 You can sign up at woodmontchristian.org/riti or Deb LaForge at divegirldj@yahoo.com. Traveling Woodmont Visiting Chaffin Barn Dinner Theater, Nov. 29 FATHER* FATHER* DAUGHTER DAUGHTER Sunday, February 10 Sunday, February PM DROWOTA HALL We invite: ALL FATHERS, STEPFATHERS, GRANDFATHERS, UNCLES OR SPECIAL FATHER FIGURES TO 3-5PM DROWOTA HALL pg 4 We invite: ALL FATHERS, STEPFATHERS, GRANDFATHERS, UNCLES OR SPECIAL FATHER FIGURES TO

5 To God Alone The Glory by Donovan McAbee In the summer of 1741, the English aristocrat Charles Jennens completed his newest libretto. This libretto consisted of words taken from Scripture and from versions of the Psalms in The Book of Common Prayer. Jennens shaped this text in such a way as to tell the story of the Promise, Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sometime in July of that year, he sent the libretto to his friend and collaborator, George Frideric Handel, who began writing music for the oratorio on August 22, Completed in twenty-four days and consisting of 259 pages of music and arrangements, Handel wrote what has become recognized as one of the greatest works of music in Western history, Messiah. At the end of his manuscript, Handel wrote in large letters SDG, shorthand for the Latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria, To God alone the glory. The first production of Messiah occurred in Dublin, Ireland, the following year, during Easter Week. Handel decided that for its premier performance, Messiah should be offered as a charity fundraiser event, the causes being: to purchase freedom for prisoners in debtors prison, and two charity hospitals in Dublin, both of which cared for the poor, who could not afford medical expenses. The first performance of Messiah created such a stir beforehand that women were asked not to wear hoop skirts and men not to wear swords, so the concert hall could accommodate more people. From the proceeds of that first performance, the two hospitals received significant sums of money, and 142 people were freed from debtors prison. In 1750, in London, Handel again staged a performance of Messiah for a charitable cause, this time for the Foundling Hospital, which was a home for orphans. That year began what was to become an annual charity performance of Messiah that continued for the remainder of Handel s life and for decades to come. With texts from Scripture and The Book of Common Prayer arranged by a friend, and a musical score that called forth all of his own genius Handel created a masterpiece of art, written to the glory of God, that has cared for the sick and needy, provided a home for the orphaned, and literally set captives free. Soli Deo Gloria indeed! Maybe none of us will write an oratorio like Messiah. But we create each day with the minutes and the hours that are given to us. What are we choosing to make with those? What are we creating with our work? With our lives? How might the work of our hands give glory to God? How might the living of our lives do the same? How might the motto of our very lives become Soli Deo Gloria? Merry Christmas, y all! January retreat to explore and set intentions for the new year And So, We Begin Again Retreat Friday, Jan. 11, 9 AM to 4 PM at Woodmont s Center for Healing & Spirituality Cost is $175/person and space is limited to 15. dane@soulprint.org to register. As an antidote to new year s resolutions step away for one day to explore what the threshold of the new year offers to your life and work; setting the intentions that will guide and nurture This retreat will offer a reflective space in the context of a supportive community to engage questions of importance and deepen your understanding of the relationship between who you are and what you do. We will experience a shared exploration of the intersections between our inner passion, courage and sense of purpose that give meaning to our life and work in the world. pg 5

Heaven s Peace by Abby McLean O Come, O Come Emmanuel has long been one of my favorite Christmas hymns. The mystery that lies within it moves me. The hope within this song gives me pause.

But in the reality of it, we find quiet, we find peace, we find respite in the hope that this tiny baby s birth will help us conquer fear and sadness.

s peace. This time of year, we need reminding that Jesus birth was sent not only to save us in eternity but to save us here on earth. We take peace and hope for granted.

I was overcome with emotion. We should, as the song states, Rejoice, rejoice. Through times of suffering, times of hurt, seek out the quiet and take heed. Look to the tiny baby in a manger.

We will know Jesus is coming and we can push out the gloomy clouds and death s dark shadow because we have hope that he has us now and forever. Calendar Sunday, December 23 9:30 a.m. Informal Worship, Sanctuary 9:45 a.

6 Heaven s Peace by Abby McLean O Come, O Come Emmanuel has long been one of my favorite Christmas hymns. The mystery that lies within it moves me. The hope within this song gives me pause. When we think of Jesus birth, so many times I jump to rejoicing and trumpets and Hallelujahs! But in the reality of it, we find quiet, we find peace, we find respite in the hope that this tiny baby s birth will help us conquer fear and sadness. In the final verse in our own Chalice Hymnal, we sing the words O come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy strife and quarrels cease, fill the whole world with heaven s peace. This time of year, we need reminding that Jesus birth was sent not only to save us in eternity but to save us here on earth. We take peace and hope for granted. As I sat in Isse Waddey s Service of Healing last week, it was more evident to me than any time before, we need hope, we need the peace that Jesus brings even as a tiny baby in a manger. I was overcome with emotion. We should, as the song states, Rejoice, rejoice. Through times of suffering, times of hurt, seek out the quiet and take heed. Look to the tiny baby in a manger. For he will surely bring you great goodness and delight. There will be no mystery. There will be no lack of hope. We will know Jesus is coming and we can push out the gloomy clouds and death s dark shadow because we have hope that he has us now and forever. Calendar Sunday, December 23 9:30 a.m. Informal Worship, Sanctuary 9:45 a.m. The Bridge Worship, Drowota Hall 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship, Sanctuary Monday, December 24, CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 p.m. Children & Family Service 5:00 p.m. Children & Family Service 7:00 p.m. Candlelight & Communion 11:00 p.m. Candlelight & Communion Tuesday, December 25, CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH OFFICE & BUILDING CLOSED Wednesday, December 26 6:15 a.m. Men s Small Group, Room 100 7:00 a.m. Original Men s Bible Study, Room 105 5:30 p.m. Grace Notes Rehearsal, Kids Commons 6:15 Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Thursday, December 27 6:00 p.m. Youth Basketball Practice, Drowota Hall Friday, December 28 Room In The Inn, South Hall Isse Waddey Hope & Healing service Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 Leadership Nominations Woodmont believes strongly in the ministry of lay people. Once a year, the congregation is asked to recommend fellow church members to serve in lay leadership positions, and that time of the year is now! PHOTOS BY STEVE LOWRY pg 6 The committee welcomes all submissions! In addition to recommending fellow church members, you may also nominate yourself for leadership positions. Nominations may be submitted through January at woodmontchristian.org/nominate

Prayers for our church family: SYMPATHY TO: Donna Joyner on the loss of her husband and Jay, Susan and Seth on the loss of their father, Wade, who suffered a heart attack early Saturday morning,

7 Prayers for our church family: SYMPATHY TO: Donna Joyner on the loss of her husband and Jay, Susan and Seth on the loss of their father, Wade, who suffered a heart attack early Saturday morning, December 15. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening, December 18, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and Wednesday morning, December 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the Gathering Hall. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. SUNDAY The family of Edwyna Griscom who died Friday, December 14, A private family service is planned for sometime after Christmas. NOVEMBER 25: DECEMBER 2: DECEMBER 9: DECEMBER 16: SCHOOL: WTB 427 ATTENDANCE: OPERATING: $ $46,616 $78,205 $131,752 IN THE HOSPITAL: Stephen Rush - Vanderbilt Cindy Million - St. Thomas Midtown Tom Hamner - NHC Place Cool Springs - Room 2102 Charlotte Dukes, Janice Parker s granddaughter - at St. Jude UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 8-week women s bible study on wisdom God Has More for His Children, written and taught by Shawna Keller The book of Proverbs is sometimes referred to as God s instruction book for every day life. Our Heavenly Father longs for His children to walk through this life free of the dangers and frustrations that it can so easily bring, and He strongly desires for us to live rich and fulfilled lives. The book of Proverbs provides those guidelines and instructions. God has more for His children, and we don t want to miss it. Registration opens the first week of January at relayoftruth.com. Study begins at Woodmont Christian Church, January 22, 2019, at 6:30-8:00 PM, Tuesday evening in Room 200. Reach out to Mary Welsh Owen at mwowen1123@gmail.com with questions. WCPS Songwriters Round Join us for an evening with three of Nashville s hit makers! WCPS parent, Jimmy Robbins, will be joined by Josh Osborne and Barry Dean in this intimate songwriters round. 100% of funds raised at this event will go to needed playground repairs and classroom materials. Tickets are on sale now with limited seating available. Doors will open at 6PM and Songwriters Round will begin at 7PM. Dinner will be provided by Bar-B-Cutie, courtesy of the Lopez family, and the bar will be open throughout the evening. Get tickets and more at woodmontchristian.org/songwriters Discipleship Classes & Mayberry Bible Study begin Wednesday, January 16, 6:15 PM Taught by Clay Stauffer with special guests, our annual Discipleship Classes are designed for new members, anyone thinking about joining Woodmont, and current members and leaders who want a refresher. Each week s class is formed around the three parts of Woodmont s mission statement, beginning with Seeking on Jan. 16. Featuring classic episodes from The Andy Griffith Show with relevant scripture, The Mayberry Bible Study uses them as modern parables on the teaching of Jesus. The series provides simple examples of ways Christians should live and teaches important lessons about service, peace, mercy and commitment. Led by Mike Shipp, the class will run four weeks Jan. 16, 23, & 30, and Feb. 6. CONTINUING CONCERNS: Everett Davis - Richland Place - Room 226 Jan Goans - Green Hills Rehab Room 235 Malcolm Lewis Alberta Martin - NHC - Trace (Hwy 100) Rm 502 Sheila Mathias JoAnn Patterson Maurice Pinson - at home Helen Schull - Surgery Wed. Dec 5 - St Thomas West Isse Waddey FAMILY OF MEMBERS - CONCERNS: Andra Moran s father - in California Lauren Beurlein s mother, Debbie Lucas The elders invite you to join them in celebration of Joy during this season of Advent, remembering that: Joy is not dependent on our circumstances; even in difficult situations we may experience joy. Joy comes when we live in God s presence. In Your presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) Joy is a gift from God, for one of the fruits of the spirit is joy (Gal. 5:12) Joy results from our remembrance of what God has already done. At the works of thy hands I sing for joy (Psalm 92:4) We are Christ s joy! For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2) pg 7

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The Spire WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH JUNE JULY 24, 5, 2018

The Spire WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH JUNE JULY 24, 5, 2018 CELEBRATING 75 YEARS 1943-2018 75th Family Fun Saturday, July 14 Photos by Alex Jacobi MINISTERIAL STAFF Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Dr.