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Mission

Statement

Growing

Disciples of Christby

Seeking God,Sharing Love

andServing Others

Core Values:

WelcomingOutstanding Worship

OutreachDifferent TraditionsMission & MinistryOn the MoveNurturingTransforming

2013 Areas of FocusPrayer - Presence - Peace

woodmontchristian.org

THESPIREA B e a c o n a n d A B r i d g e

Volume 41, Issue 31 August 5, 2013

A B e a c o n a n d A B r i d g e

Get to know other people from

The Bridge over a free dinner!

Congratulations to Kristen Newmawho was baptized at The Bridge

on Sunday, August 4th!

LeadershipBreakfast

Saturday,August24th

at9:00a.m.inDrowotaHall

JoinusforGuestSpeaker,Dr.DonovanMcAbee!

Dr.McAbeewillspeakonTryingNottoFailCollegeStudents

(ButInsteadPrepareThemforLife)

ForallBoardmembers,Elders,CREWDirectors,Deacons&Spous

(seemoredetailsonpage5)

http://www.woodmontchristian.org/http://www.woodmontchristian.org/

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The Spire is published weekly by: Woodmont ChristianChurch (615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-93601 Hillsboro Road email: wcc@woodmontcc.

Nashville, TN 37215 Kim Adair, EdVisit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org Copyright 2

Recently, I surprised a church member witha knock on her door. After kindly sitting me ather kitchen table, I asked her: "How do youfeel?" She began to tell me about the round

of chemotherapy that she had just endured-the first of sixprescribed for her. "I feel very tired," she said, among other

things. Again, I asked her how she felt. But this was differentfrom the previous question. I was not asking her how she felt

physically, but how she felt about her circumstances. Diagnosedwith cancer, she carried several tumors in her body and facedwho-knows-what in the days ahead. "Well, I think it's a win-winsituation," she said.

I turned my ear toward her. I asked her to speak up. Iwasn't sure that I had heard her correctly. "I think it's awin-win situation," she repeated. My interest was piqued. "Whatdo you mean?"

This church member proceeded to say that she had awonderful life that she'd be happy to keep. But she very quicklyadded that, if she died, she'd get to go to Heaven and be withChrist face to face. "I could be here for months, years, or more.Who knows?" she said. "But when I die, I'll be with Jesus, and Ihave a very close relationship with him." I was astounded. Her

profound love for Christ had knocked the stuffing right out ofdeath. Death was toothless to her!

This church member's bold faith made me think of the apostlePaul. Last month, we looked at his letter to the Philippians.You'll recall that he wrote this letter in prison while facingthe possibility of death at the hands of Emperor Nero. (That

possibility eventually became a reality.) What does Paul saybefore this frightening specter? "Now as always," he declares,"Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go onliving in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yetwhat shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two.I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far"(1:20-23).

Astounding! Paul doesn't know if he'll be allowed to liveor sentenced to die, yet he seems not to care. He expressesremarkable ambivalence. The former would allow him to carryon a very fruitful earthly ministry. The latter would mean finally

reaching heaven and receiving eternal joy and rest in thepresence of the Lord. Paul can hardly decide! ("Yet what shall Ichoose? I do not know!") Yet no matter what happens, he'sdetermined to glorify the Lord. ("Christ will be exalted in my

body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christand to die is gain.") Friends, do we not get the sense that Paul'shome-his real, true, and permanent home-is not in this world, butanother?

For Paul, it's not a choice between life and death. It's a choibetween life and life-life on this side of the grave or life on tother. He'll live here or he'll live there; either way, he knows thhe's going to live! Nothing can really kill him because hsecurely in Christ, who says, "I am the resurrection and the liWhoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, a

everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die"(John 11:25-26).

I recently read a blog from a twenty-five year-oChristian. With the best of life still in front of her, she writes:

This world is not my home. Despite the manythings that bring me satisfaction, my soul willnever truly find rest until I am home withHim Don't get me wrong, I love and cherishthis life on this side of Heaven, but I can sense adeeper longing for Him that cannot besatisfied until I'm with Him face to face in

His sweet presence.

Recently, my belief in this was put to the test, for a defriend of mine passed away. Susan and I knew each other years. I officiated her daughter's wedding and baptized hgrandson. Susan made every room she entered better simply her presence. When I learned of her death, I cried and cursed.the midst of my sorrow, the only thoughts that gave me comfwere: "Susan is no longer suffering. She's received complehealing for body and soul in Heaven. There she and I will meagain. Between the two of us, 'goodbye' means nothing, for oday we'll be reunited in Heaven, our eternal home."

How can one not marvel at what Christ has done? Death wonce a ravenous lion that spared no one. But Christ facedand tamed it, so now it's just a purring kitten. Once upon a timthe pathway of each person's life ran into a wall and stoppforever. But Christ has turned that impenetrable wall intolovely door-the entryway to our eternal home! Why fear crossithe threshold?

Heaven is home-for the church member that I visited, for tapostle Paul, for my friend Susan, and for all who are in Chri"In my Father's house are many rooms," Christ says. "And if I and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you

myself, so that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2-3). Owhat a promise! Praise God for this inexpressible gift!

The Kingdom of God, Part 2: Homeby Rev. Justin Gung,Minister of Children & Congregational Care

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Robbie and I recently went through the lossof a miscarriage. No matter how common

people tell you a miscarriage is, the feelings ofgrief and sadness when it's happening and then

after are devastating.

For those who have also been through this or another kind ofloss that is private, difficult to understand or accept, I wanted toshare a poem I just read the other night before bed from one ofMary Oliver's newer books of poetry calledEvidence. This one'scalled "Swans."

They appeared

over the dunes,

they skimmed the trees

and hurried on

to the sea

or some lonely pond

or wherever it isthat swans go,

urgent, immaculate,

the heat of their eyes

staring down

and then away,

the thick spans

of their wings

as bright as snow,

their shoulder power

echoing

inside my own body.

How could I help but adore them?

How could I help but wish

that one of them might drop

a white featherthat I should have

something in my hand

to tell me

that they were real?

Of course

this was foolish.

What we love, shapely and pure,

is not to be held,

but to be believed in.

And then they vanished, into the

unreachable distance.

This baby would have been born in early March, so planted a forsythiathat friendly yellow bloom that is the firstblaze in springto honor the memory of this life that was anever was. However painful our losses, life moves along. We gthrough them with the love and mercy and grace of God. And wheal and start to feel like ourselves againlike ourselves aga

but forever changed.

God's grace and peace and love to you this week,

Forever Changedby Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director

I must say it feels a little strange to bewriting this article on the first of August,knowing that students are heading back to

public schools today. I can remember when ourchurch program start time and back to school

were almost the same. The one thing we can count on is change,right?

Speaking of change, Catie Pratt has been selected to be ourChildren Choir Director. Catie, our soprano soloist in theChancel Choir, has a Bachelors in Music Education and VocalPerformance from Ohio Northern University where she logged300 hours of clinical/field experience. Catie has been a sectionleader/soloist for years in the Nashville Symphony Chorus andhas coordinated our VBS for several years, working closely withour Woodmont children.

Catie will continue to lead music in the Sunday School hour,but will have a separate day and time with a 30-minute rehearsalfor those wishing to learn more about singing and music ina separate setting. Clay, Justin, Catie and I are working on

that date/time and Catie will announce it soon in the Spire. We

welcome Catie Pratt to this exciting position and look forwardher work with our Woodmont children.

Handbells are about to ring in their new year with rehearsbeginning in the middle of August. If you are interested playing with this wonderful group (Kathy Hart makes everehearsal a special occasion) or would consider being occasional sub, please contact Kathy at castonhart@comcast.n

She will be glad to welcome you into the handbell fellowship.

Our Chancel Choir will begin our new season on WednesdaSeptember 4 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to join us, pleacontact me at k12tn@comcast.net. You do not have to commitendless years of rehearsals and Sundays. We welcome singfor seasonal windows and are flexible with those whoschedules require occasional Sunday morning absences. Bottoline- we'll treat you so many ways, you're bound to like one 'em. Keep the change- see you at church.

Music, What Else?by Michael Graham,Director of Music Ministry

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Do You Enjoy Sewing?

If so, we can use your help! We still have some bags of Walk Thru Bethlehem adultcostumes that need to be sewn. Each bag contains fabric for one gown with instructionson how to make the gown. Just come by the church office (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.) to pick up as many bags as you like and return the costumes back to theoffice when finished.

For further information, please contact Beth Sowell at 512-2242. Thanks so much!

Youth Wing Renovation Meeting

Calling all youth, parents, architects, designers, and creative people! The Youth Visioning Committee is in the initial stages developing a plan to update and renovate our youth wing.

Some of the initial ideas have included:

An enlarged space for a youth lounge, worship space, and dining hall

Dedicated discussion room for Chi-Rho

An entrance and design theme to designate the youth wing past the boardroom

New furniture, lighting, games, and coffee/smoothie bar

Incorporation of technology for lessons, movie nights, etc.

We would love to hear hopes, dreams, and ideas for the youth area. If you have an interest in joining the design team, pleas

join us for the Youth Wing Renovation Meeting on Wednesday night, August 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the church boardroom

9:30 a.m.Disciples Class (105) - Led by Guest Teacher, Pete Kyne"Book of Acts: Chapter 7"

Challenge Class (200) - Led by Susan Hammonds-White"Caring Conflict Resolution: Rediscovering Values"

Young Adult Class (Boardroom) - Led by Rob Quinn"Micah"

Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay)Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer"Renewing Your Spirit - Setting Your Boundaries inOur Digital Society"

11:00 a.m.Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay)(Open to Men Also)

Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer

Reflections Class (200) - Led by Guest Teacher, MarcellaDerryberry

Points of View (105) - Led by Ralph Parsons and Doug King"Sermon Discussions"

College & University-Aged Young Adults (107)Led by Allen McDonald

Sunday SchoolAugust 11

th

Walk Thru Bethlehem

Costume Search

Do you still have a costume from Walk Thru Bethlehem2012? We are looking for you! Please return it bythis Friday, August 9th to the church office. You marequest to have it held for you in the costume room touse during WTB 2013 by emailing Jan Anderson at

standerson45@comcast.net or Beth Sowell atbethsowell@comcast.net. All costumes must bereturned for inventory purposes.

Let's mark all names off the costume returned list thisyear. Thank you!

WCC Birthday Sunday

Celebration DVDs

Alan Nelson has created a great 2-disc video setof Birthday Sunday activities. The set includesfootage of all musical performances, Mayor Dean'sremarks and the cake-cutting and the 33-minutehistorical video.

Copies of these discs may be purchased by callingthe church office at 297-8563. Cost is $6 per set.

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IwanttothanksomanyofmyWoodmontfamilyfortheircalls,cards,emails,

texts,andofcoursetheirprayers. MyinjuriesarehealingwellandIamquickly

returningtomynormalactivities. Thankyoutoalltheministersandstafffor

theirconcernandprayersaswell.

DennisBeck

WoodmontChristian

Church,

Thankstoall fortheprayers,cards,callsandbeautifulflowersduringmyillness. WoodmontChristianisawonderfulplac

tobeapartof. Ilovethepeople. Everyoneissothoughtfulandwonderful.

Thankstoall,

BettyBrent

You are not alone

If you need a confidential and caring

Stephen Minister to talk with when you go through life's

transitions or difficult times, call Kathy Patten (838-4957).

The deadline for articles and announcementto go in The Spire is Friday by Noon.

Please send submissions to Kim Adair at

kadair@woodmontcc.org. Thanks!

LeadershipBreakfast

Saturday,August24th

9:00a.m. DrowotaHall

JoinusforGuestSpeaker,Dr.DonovanMcAbee!

Dr.McAbeewillspeakonTryingNottoFailCollege

Students(ButInsteadPrepareThemforLife)

ForallBoardmembers,Elders,CREWDirectors,

DeaconsandSpouses

Reservationsrequested. PleaseRSVPtothe

churchofficeat2978563oremailRebecca

Vaughanatrvaughan@woodmontcc.org

SuggestedDonation $10

Childcareprovidedbyrequest.

Medical Equipment Room Reminder

Please remember that WCC has a MedicalEquipment Room. It contains wheel chairs,

crutches, walkers, motorized scooter, bedside

commodes and much more. If you have a need

for any of this equipment, please contact

Honey Hetzel at 615-351-2380 or Ellen Dillon

at 615-297-7689.

Also, please remember that we will accept

donations of gently used and clean equipment.

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THIS WEEK AT WCC:

Sunday, August 11

9:30 a.m. - Children's Moment

9:45 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Children's Church

5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Service

6:30 p.m. - After The Br idgeSoup Dinner

Pajamas + Pancakes =

FUN!!!

Join us for Pancakes and

Pajamas Sunday onSeptember 8th!

http://www.woodmontkids.com/

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Bulletin Board

PRAYERSFOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

INTHE HOSPITAL:

Robert Mathews, St. ThomasMary Lou Thomas, mother of Lynn

McDonald, CentennialCindy McQueeney, sister of Deb

LaForge, Seattle, WA

NEW CONCERN:

Sallye Galloway

CONTINUING CONCERNS:

Emily Duncan

Penny Stelling

Gary Thompson

Yot Williams

Peggy Johnson

Jeannette Miller, Claiborne-HughesHealth Center

Earl Thomas, step-father of LynnMcDonald

Bill Kelly, friend of Moulton FarrarEarl Milroy, brother-in-law of LuAnn

& Mike Brent, Pine Bluff, ARJo Helen Railsback, friend of B. James

LowryWilliam Daniel, father of Lisa Rollins,

WisconsinBarb Vial, sister of Beth Sowell,

ColoradoCatherine Pease, mother of Mary

Welsh Owen, Georgetown, INTy Coppinger, father of Shawn Haile

SYMPATHY TO:

Nick and Jade Forlidas on the loss oJade's mother, Patty VanMeter, whpassed away on Friday, August 2.Services will be held in Oklahoma.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Monte and Erin Goodon the birth otheir daughter, Ruby Grace Good,who was born on Tuesday, July 30.

GIVE THANKS:

Betty Brent

Dennis Beck

Pat Brown, mother of Christy BrownMcMinnville, TN

MILITARY PRAYER LIST:

Wade Gossett,brother of BeccaGossett

Clay Perry, son of Tim & Diane PerDan King & wife, Ashley King, broth

and sister-in-law of Stephen DanieKing

THOSE SERVING ABROAD:

Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in

ArmeniaCourtney Valk, Peace Corp in

Republic of Georgia

*Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns wnow only be listed for up to one month. If yo

wish to have a continuing concern remain onlist after one month, please renew your reque

each month by calling the church office.*

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for:

A safe and successful school year for all students and teachers

Members who are sick or hurting that they may find peace and healing

Homebound and new members to feel included in the Woodmont family

All members to deepen our prayer life so that we learn to listen and discerGod's voice and yield to His will

PLEASE - NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE SANCTUARY

Opportunities

at Woodmont

Wednesday, August 7

6:15 a.m.Men's Small Group (107)7:00 a.m.

Men's Bible Study (105)Younger Men's Bible Study (BR)

6:30 p.m.

Stephen Ministry (100, 107 & Library)

Thursday, August 8

Library Workday10:00 a.m.

Sit & Stitch Group (GH)7:00 p.m.

Restore Classes (200 & Youth Rooms)

Sunday, August 11

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Worship (Sanctuary)4:45 p.m.

WCC Knitters (GH)5:45 p.m.

The Bridge Service (DH)6:30 p.m.

After The Bridge Soup Dinner (DH)Monday, August 12

4:00 p.m.

"The Geezers" Men's Group (BR)6:00 p.m.

Strategic Planning Meeting (BR)

Tuesday, August 13

9:00 a.m.

Women's Prayer Group (CS)6:00 p.m.

Handbell Practice (234)

6:30 p.m.Young Adults (Off-Campus)

Let Us Know:Have information about

someone in the hospital or withanother ministry need?

Please notify the church o fficedur ing the week (297-8563)

and Let Us Know.

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Non-Profit OrganizatU S Postage

PA IDNashville, Tennesse

Permit No. 1204

Woodmont Christian Church3601 Hillsboro RoadNashville, TN 37215615.297.8563woodmontchristian.org

Return Service Requested

UPHOLDING OUR CHURCH

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior MinisterFarrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life

Rev. Justin Gung,Minister of Children & Congregational Care Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"Thom Schuyler, Director of College & Young Adults Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director

Michael Graham,Director of Music Ministry Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse Ginny Tharp, Director of PreschoolSarah Huffman,Accompanist Linda Whitson,Staff Administrator Kim Adair,Administrative Assistant

Rebecca Vaughan,Receptionist Chris Beck, Finance Manager Beverly Honeycutt,HousekeepingSteven Austin, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor,Housekeeping Sam Marsh,Property Manager - Housekeeping Sup

Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King,Creative Directors for "The Bridge"

DEACON SCHEDULE

August 11, 2013

Communion Prep: Cathy WilliamsService Coordinator: 9:30 - TBA

11:00 - Don MitchellVideo Camera: 9:30 - Grant Smothers

11:00 - Paul Hardin

9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:45 p.m.David Reynolds Jeremiah Pyron Jay EverettChris Smith Deb LaForge David StewartKasey Clymer Roy Jordan Tami BuchananMark Clymer Sandra Kyne Virginia DinkerHope Walker Pam Hardin Zsa Rockey

Betty McHugh Bob Garrard Rebecca EverettMilly Moore Selena GuilfoyL.A. Galyon

ELDERS

SERVING

SUNDAYAugust 11, 201

9:30 a.m.

Hal Tevebaugand

Richmond Willi

11:00 a.m.

Gene Regenand

Alan Sowell

5:45 p.m.

Bryan SargenWeekly Prayer Partner

Iglesia Cristiana Discipulos de Cristo, Nashville, TN

WORSHIP SERVICES: August 11, 2013

9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m Rev. Clay Stauffer, preachingWhy Jesus? Sermon Series: "We Worry Too Much!"

Scripture: Luke 12:22-31

5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Trey Flowers, preachingShare the Well Sermon Series: "Share the Well"

Scripture: John 4:7-10

BY OUR PRESENCEAND OUR GIFTS

Date Sunday School Total Atd. OperatingJuly 14 256 683 $ 22,440July 21 237 775 $ 46,104July 28 237 643 $ 19,909August 4 267 697 $ 21,762