Author and professor Rubel Shelly to lead Wednesday night class beginning October 11

Transcription

1 WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH Welcome New Members! SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 Ross and Kathryn Hamilton, September 24, 2017 Will and Jeanne-Anne Moore with Anson September 24, 2017 Paul and Stacey Demastus with Chase, Zach and Ava, September 17, 2017 Author and professor Rubel Shelly to lead Wednesday night class beginning October 11 More Than a Fig Leaf: A Theology of Grace October 11 through November 8, 6:30 PM, Room 200 This 5-week class will explore the theme of grace -- especially in some places where you may not have seen it before. The first three weeks will focus on Old Testament persons and events, while the final two weeks will focus on Jesus and Paul. Author of over 30 books, Shelly is a professor at Lipscomb University and the former president of Rochester College. His work has been largely influential in calling unity to the body of Christ and is widely cited by ministers & scholars across the country. Child Dedication Kris and Dorothy Stewart September 17, 2017 Margaret Lane Harris, daughter of Justin and Jacquelyn Harris September 24, 2017 Woodmont Christian Church Hillsboro Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37215

2 Maintaining a Rhythm by Jeremiah Pyron We are entering that time of year with shrinking daylight hours. The sun pushes it s rise and shine time later and later, and then can t wait to slip behind the horizon again, earlier and earlier. Beginning now, and through the winter, I wake up in the dark and am not motivated to get up for a run. Then when I get home from work, it s dark again, so I don t run then either. This season of life gets me every year. Come spring, when the sun starts peeking over through at 5:30, I get excited for that peaceful morning run. The dew on the ground. The crisp fresh chilly air. The still early morning. Only to be interrupted by my gasping for air and aching legs minutes into my run. I haven t been running regularly. I m out of practice and my rhythm. If only I had embraced and found enjoyment in those darker runs throughout the colder season or at least found a treadmill once in a while. In peak weather time, running is part of my subconscious as I know I m going to do it every couple of days. It s non-negotiable. It s predictable. But it s the lag time between the end of the beautiful fall to the start of spring when I m not active. Come the following spring, it s harder to pick up because I m out of shape again like last year. The regularity of giving is the same way. Mary Clare s words during our stewardship campaign have stuck with me. It s hard to make something into an idol when you are able to give away. When you do something repeatedly, it s at the front of your mind, and get s engrained in you. When I make a one time donation to a charity at the request of a friend, I hit the submit button, and while I enjoyed supporting the cause in the moment, months can go by before I stop to think about the cause again. Giving regularly and routinely to the church helps me to pause and consider why I am giving. It is a way to practice gratitude and keeps my priorities straight while giving back a portion of what is truly already God s to begin with. An excerpt from the book God and Money was a great reminder for me. The blessings (or wealth) that we have been given are not something we have earned and deserve, but something we have been entrusted with. The best way for me to maintain that mindset is to exercise regular giving and generosity. OUR MISSION: Growing disciples of Christ by seeking God, sharing love, and serving others OUR CORE VALUES: Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On The Move Nurturing Transforming WOODMONT S 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 Michael Graham Director of Music Ministry Abby McLean Children s Ministry Director Katie Sheridan-Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director Thom Schuyler Young Adults, Missions & Outreach Director Anne-Marie Farmer Small Groups & Connections Director Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge Stephen Daniel King Worship Leader Mary Clare Pyron Parish Nurse Russell Davis Accompanist WOODMONT S SUPPORT STAFF Chris Beck Business Administrator Mandy Barton Brown Executive Assistant Martha Duff Preschool Director Sam Marsh Property & Facilities Manager Jan Anderson Administrative Assistant Matt Diffenderfer Communications Director For assistance, please call the church office at or info@woodmontcc.org Next Intro to Woodmont is October 22 Sunday, October 22, 12:15 PM in the Boardroom Introduction to Woodmont is a great opportunity to learn more about our purpose & mission. During Intro, Clay Stauffer, our senior minister, answers all your questions, gives a tour of our church campus, and walks us through what God is calling this church to be and do, in order to help you make an informed decision about joining us in fulling our mission here at Woodmont. pg 2 Get the most up-to-date information at Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, Tennessee

3 Burnette Chapel Shooting and Our Shepherds Ministry by Clay Stauffer. Everybody has become aware that there was a tragic church shooting in Antioch this past Sunday morning just before 11 am. A man entered Burnette Chapel Church of Christ opening fire, killing one woman and seriously injuring seven others including the pastor. Apparently the man used to attend that church. While these situations are incredibly rare, they are real and they are sad. Responsible leaders plan for any type of situation. About two years ago, Allen McDonald, Mike Brent, and Phil North asked what kind of emergency plans we had in place for this type of situation or any medical emergencies and quite honestly, we really didn t have one. Under their leadership and with the help of some outside consultants, we formed a Shepherds ministry. Here are the basic objectives of our Shepherds ministry from my point of view. First, to be a part of the welcoming and hospitality arm of our church, greeting people and directing them where to go. Second, to be prepared in the case of a fire or a medical emergency. Our church is now equipped with a number of defibulators throughout the building and we have many medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc) in our congregation. Third, the Shepherds are there to help with our parking challenges (which are real), telling people where spaces are available. Lastly, they are there to react in the case that Woodmont ever experiences something like what happened at Burnette Chapel. I ask that you join me in prayer for Burnette Chapel Church of Christ and the victims as they work through this terrible situation. I also ask that you say thank you to the dedicated members of Woodmont who serve as Shepherds on a regular basis. It makes a big difference. If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry, feel free to contact Allen McDonald (allen@bsmproperties.com) or Chris Beck (cbeck@woodmontcc.org). by Clay Stauffer Recently, I sat around the table with about twenty seasoned men from our church who meet every Monday. Most of them are now retired and in their seventies or eighties. I was interested in picking their brains about life and what they have learned and experienced throughout the years. I am convinced that many in the younger generations do not take the time to soak up wisdom from those who now have the advantage of reflecting back upon their life. They have fought the battles, learned the lessons, and have the scars and character to show it. My question to them was simple and straightforward: What is your best life advice for the next generation and do you have any regrets? Here are some of the things that were shared: Seek God first and develop a spiritual life at a young age. Don t work too hard at the expense of your family. Find the sacred balance between work and family. Enjoy every stage of life as it comes because it goes by all too quickly and you can t turn back the clock. Be kind to everyone because kindness is a form of love. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Make faith a priority in your marriage and family life. Be proud but not prideful, confident but not arrogant. Maturity comes with years. Disappointment is inevitable. Be gentle and compassionate. Try to become somebody that you yourself will admire. Be optimistic and positive. Don t dwell too much on the past which you cannot change. Learn to enjoy what you re doing so you never have to work a day in your life. Guard your reputation and don t compromise your character. Stay focused on meaningful objectives and live with the end in mind. Beware of seeking instant gratification. Many of the things worth doing take a long and sustained effort. Lead by example. Don t ask others to do things you wouldn t do. Be humble and keep your ego in check. Learn to live within your means. Money is not Wisdom from the Older Generation TRY TO BECOME SOMEBODY THAT YOU WOULD ADMIRE. the answer to everything. Remember that relationships matter most so learn to nurture them and invest in them. Take nothing for granted and beware of developing an entitlement mindset. Spend quality time with your children because they will grow up fast. Carve out regular time to nurture the soul. Travel with your family whenever possible to make memories that will last forever. Give it your all, whether at work or at home. Follow the example of Christ. Take care of your health at a young age because it only gets more challenging. Marry somebody who can put you in your place whenever necessary. Cultivate friendships that will last a life time. Tell the truth, even when it s hard and inconvenient. Be true to yourself and be the same person no matter who you might be around. Love others even when they ve hurt you, and don t forget the importance of forgiveness and letting things go. Approach every day as a gift because we never know about tomorrow. Don t worry constantly and needlessly. Trust that things will turn out Ok, even if it s not what you had planned. I m deeply grateful to these men for their wisdom and insight. My hope and prayer is that younger generations will continue to learn and gain wisdom from those who have gone before us. pg 3

4 Like every church (and probably most other non-profit organizations) Woodmont has a lot of Unsung Heroes who carry out faithful, committed leadership and service week after week and year after year and never get any real praise and recognition. Of course most of them do it because they love their Lord, love their Church, love what they re doing, and don t desire or seek praise and recognition. Still, because we are all human, it s easy to feel taken for granted. That s why I was thrilled that Woodmont made Clay s tenth anniversary as Senior Minister such a big celebration. Although they may not seek it, ministers still need some appreciation so that they/we don t feel taken for granted. It s not that church members do take them for granted; it s often because no one ever thinks of and leads the way to recognize them. Today I want to lift up and celebrate another group of faithful, committed, week after week laborers for Christ without whom no church could remain strong and that is Sunday School teachers. I know our youth and children s teachers do get recognized at least once a year. But I want to recognize our adult Sunday School teachers who study hard and prepare lessons week after week, and for many, years after years. If you want to put volunteerism in the church to the test, just ask how many are willing to teach an adult Sunday School class. As Minister of Adult Education at Woodmont, here s my list of Heroes: 8:30 Seekers Class (Bible Study) Kathy Patten Kathy wanted Woodmont to have an on going Sunday morning Bible Study class, so she stepped up to teach is as she has done in many other areas. 9:30 Challenge Class Bob Herrick taught this class for years. When he retired from teaching, Paul Hardin became the class coordinator and members of the class have taken turn teaching. I don t know all who have taught, but I know the following have been part of the teaching team: Julia Tanner, Susan Hammonds -White, Atly Jefcoat, Dara Howe, and Paul Hardin. Disciples Class Although I teach this class, Julie Howell is the real boss. And I have had some excellent back-up teachers including: Pete Kyne, Michael Shipp, and Bruce Thompson. Spiritual Journey for Women Anne Stauffer and her mother, Gayle Alexander, taught such a class at First Presbyterian Church for years (probably decades). When Anne came to Woodmont (through evangelism by marriage) she started the class here and it has been very, very popular and helpful. 9:45 Young Adults Class Rob Quinn is the committed and popular teacher. 10:45 Life in the Balance This is our newest class (just a few weeks old) and is team taught by Thom Schuyler, Anne-Marie Farmer, Justin Gung, and Donovan McAbee. 11:00 Pathways Class The class uses videos and guest speakers quite often for the lessons, but the in house leaders and teachers are Christy Brown, Laura Dovan, and Mart Sesler. Points of View Ralph Parsons is the primary teacher/leader, although other class members teach at times. Reflections Class Although I teach this class, I have some excellent back-up teachers including Alan Sowell, Don Rollins, and Marcella Derryberry. Jim Batson is the Grand High Reflector class leader. Although I know there is always the likelihood of leaving someone out when you put forth a list of names, I apologize if I have but am willing to run that risk in order to lift up and celebrate these committed Christians and leaders at Woodmont for the weekly service they provide for so many. I know the Lord will say to them some day, Well done, good and faithful servant! The event is free and anyone can attend! Registration and more info is available on NEW FROM ANNE! Unsung Heroes by Roy Stauffer Uncontrolling Love Event at Woodmont Friday, October 13 Delve into topics like free will, predestination, our agency in the world, God s desire for humanity, and more at this unique event hosted by Woodmont. Based on the book by the same name, the event will feature contributors to the book including theologian and scholar, Dr. Thomas Jay Oord and Woodmont s Alexis Waggoner. Session topics include: Reimagining Omnipotence, Social Justice and Free Will, Evil and God s Uncontrolling Love and many more. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 Woodmont Christian Church 1:15pm-4:30pm pg 4 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Andrew Price United Methodist Church 2846 Lebanon Pike 8:30am-2:30pm

5 2017 Hooper Classic Golf Tournament September 23, 2017 Photos by Steve Lowry 1. James Easter Bobby Smith Matt Gallant Jimmy Conn Winning Teams: 2. Everett Davis David Brogden Bill Hockridge Ted Sullivan 3. Tom Patten John Patten Daniel Patten Lee Cornelius Prizes: Driver: Rich Sanderson who won the open raffle Putter: Kate Wasserman who won #8 closest to the hole Putter: Tim Akers who won #13 closest to the hole Contributing Sponsors: Doug Schoerke and Calloway Golf Mark Clymer Allen Murphey Miracle Day at Bethany Hills is Saturday, Nov. 11. Come out to Bethany Hills! Pray, play, and donate. Due to recent challenges, our youth camp Bethany Hills is in need of significant repair. A task force was recently assembled to finalize the plan for Phase 1 of the lodge and cabin repairs, which includes painting, flooring, and bathrooms. Saturday, November 11, from 10 AM-2 PM there will be a Miracle Day Fundraiser at Bethany Hills in Kingston Springs, TN. In addition to fundraising, we will be there to do some cleaning and light work. There will be BBQ sandwiches and t-shirts for sale with all proceeds going to Bethany Hills. If Bethany Hills has meant something to you and the people in your life, make plans to come out on Nov. 11 to pray, play, and donate! pg 5

6 The Times They are a Changin by Michael Graham Styles change from year to year. In every industryautomotive, music, fashion, communication, an observer can pinpoint at least a specific decade, and sometimes a particular year by the product characteristics of that age. I grew in the 1950s and 60s. Most families owned one or maybe two rotary dial phones. There were no home computers. Televisions were small, black and white screens encased in a huge cabinet. As the decades rolled, personal computers came on the scene, as well as cell phones and large flat-screen TVs. A few years from now, communication, fashion, music will have reinvented itself and what we now consider state of the art will again be old school. We benefit from most technological changes. However, there is a basic human need for us to have something or someone in our lives uneffected by change. There is One who meets that need. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Good Shepherd, the One who said, I am with you always. The medium may change, the messengers will change, but the true Message is unchangeable. His name is Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for being the constant in our changin times. I will never leave you or forsake you. - Joshua 1:5 October s CWF meeting will feature Remote Area Medical RAM has been delivering free, high quality healthcare for 32 years all without any government funding. The need for healthcare access is growing. Despite increasing the number of free clinics every year, RAM receives more than 150 clinic requests they can t currently accommodate. People travel across state borders, waiting all night while they stand in line to get a number so they can be treated free by one of RAM s medical practitioners. CWF meets at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 3rd, with lunch following. All are welcome. Please make lunch reservations with the church office or your circle by Friday, September 29. Traveling Woodmont is on the road again! Deadline to signup is Sep. 28 On Thursday, Oct. 5, Traveling Woodmont returns with a special trip to Andrew Jackson s Hermitage. Space is limited to 14 people! The group will meet at Woodmont s campus and take the bus to Hermitage, TN. The bus leaves at 11 AM and considerable walking is involved in the tour! Lunch will at The Hermitage s Kitchen Cabinet cafe. Two tour options are available: The Self-Guided Tour and The VIP Tour. For more information, contact Betty Williams at byotwilliams@comcast.net or (615) Next Week s Calendar Sunday, October 1 8:15 a.m. Seekers Bible Study, Room 105 9:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary, Sun. School 9:45 a.m. Worship at The Bridge, Drowota Hall 10:45 a.m. Life in the Balance class, Room :00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary, Sun. School 5:00 p.m. Jubilation Youth Choir, Youth Wing 5:45 p.m. Youth Group, Youth Wing Monday, October 2 3:30 p.m. Geezers Men s Bible Study, Boardroom 6:00 p.m. CWF Circle #5, Room 105 Tuesday, October 3 9:00 a.m. Women s Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone 9:30 a.m. Women s Bible Study, Room :00 a.m. CWF Board Meeting, Room :00 a.m. CWF Meeting 12:00 p.m. CWF Luncheon, Drowota Hall 6:00 p.m. Handbells Rehearsal, Choir Room Wednesday, October 4 6:15 a.m. Men s Small Group, Room 100 7:00 a.m. Original Men s Bible Study, Room 105 7:00 a.m. Younger Men s Bible Study, Boardroom 5:30 p.m. Grace Notes practice, Kids Commons 5:45 p.m. Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, D.H. MAIN ENTREE: Carnitas tacos, Mexican rice, black beans, lime crema, salsa, grated cheddar, tomato, lettuce, & tortillas. VEGETARIAN OPTION: Fried avocado KIDS: Cheese quesadillas 6:15 p.m. DivorceCare, Room 100 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 6:30 p.m. Short Stories by Jesus week 4 with Alexis Waggoner in the Boardroom 6:30 p.m. Are My Kids on Track? with Daystar s Dave Thomas and Sissy Goff, part 4 of Fall Family Series, Drowota Hall Thursday, October 5 10:00 a.m. Sit and Stitch, Gathering Hall

7 SERVERS NEEDED! Help serve your congregation by plating up food prepared by our new catering company on Wed. nights! 9:30 AM - Informal Sanctuary Worship Service Coordinator - Mari-Kate Hopper Weclome Center - Benson Hadley So. Entrance Greeter/Offering - Ceci Billington Greeter/Offering - Renee Lewis Greeter/Offering - Jennifer Drinnon Greeter/Offering - Lanie Whittington Usher/Cleanup - Billy Crawford Usher/Cleanup - Paul Steele Usher/Cleanup - Phillip Harrison Usher/Cleanup - Laura Stephan Bread - Liz Smith Cup - Faye Tevebaugh 9:45 AM - The Bridge Worship Service Coordinator - Jeff Kinman Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Chip Hooper Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Sara Kate Hooper Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Kristen Greer Greet/So Entrance/Serve - Sabrina Kronk Bread/Cup: Jack Derryberry DATE: SEPTEMBER 3 SEPTEMBER 10 SEPTEMBER 17 SEPTEMBER 24 ELDERS & DEACONS SERVING 11 AM - Traditional Sanctuary Worship Service Coordinator - Jeff Kinman Welcome Center - Sara Anne Quinn So. Entrance Usher/Offering - Phil Schmutz Greeter/Offering - Sandy Dickerson Greeter/Offering - LeAnn Stokes Greeter/Offering - Jeff Cobble Usher/Cleanup - Jim Batson Usher/Cleanup - Rob Cochran Usher/Cleanup - Jill Fuller Cleanup/Flowers - Ellen Cochran Bread - David Reynolds Cup - Jack Derryberry Communion Preparation: Margaret Organ Hospital: John Hobby BY YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR GIFTS: SUNDAY SCHOOL: TOTAL ATTENDANCE: OPERATING: $44,160 $22,033 $50,793 $22,743 SHORT STORIES BY JESUS Wednesday nights 6:30 PM The Boardroom. Led by Alexis Waggoner Great way to meet and fellowship with other members of all ages. Four servers needed each night. Volunteers eat free! Sign up at woodmontchristian.org/serve PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY: NEW CONCERNS: Nicole Herndon s sister, Stephanie Gerding, hospital in Seattle, WA CONTINUING CONCERNS: Willie Bandy, Woodcrest Rm 244 LuAnn Brent Ben and Gayle Cherry Mary Gaston Frances Gibson, John Gibson s mother, in Hospice Nancy Hooper Gloria Jackson Renee Lewis, at home Mary Jo Phillips, at home JoAnn Patterson Vicki Phillips Tammy Regen, daughter in law of Gene & Elizabeth Regen, Knoxville, TN Al Richardson, Belmont Village Robbie Richardson, Woodcrest Wilbur Sensing Beverly Small Kevin Weldon, son of John and Rosemary Weldon Pam Zimmerman s mother, Winchester WOODMONT S ELDERS ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR: Recovery and rescue from Earthquakes and explosions in Mexico. Recovery from hurricanes in the US. Recovery and rescue from Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean islands. All first responders in these natural disasters. The Youth Program. Holy Yoga Gratitude practice begins October 18! We will be practicing gentle yoga and meditation on scripture to fix our gaze on Jesus and develop and/or strengthen an attitude of gratitude. All levels of meditation and yoga welcome - newcomers to the practice, too! Wednesday nights 6-7pm in Room 105 meeting from Oct 18-Nov 15. $7 donation for Holy Yoga certified instructor appreciated but not required. RSVP to Brooke Lovelace at brookelovelace@ me.com or or drop in. pg 7

8 Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Nashville, TN Permit No.1204 New Elder & Deacon Chairs