Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
SPIRE
December 9, 2013
Join us this weekend for the following Special Christmas Music Events
Woodmont's 3rd Annual
Christmas Concert
Hosted by The Bridge Saturday, December 14th 7:00 p.m. - Drowota Hall
Sunday, December 8 t h
Mission Statement
Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others
Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming 2013 Areas of Focus
Prayer - Presence - Peace
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woodmontchristian.org
The Last True Hero by Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"
Forgiveness After Mandela was released from prison, he made a conscious decision to let go of the bitterness, hatred, and anger that he surely must have felt during his many years of being a political prisoner. Instead he chose the path of light, moving hope forward in his own life as well as in the history of his nation. Nelson Mandela once declared "I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death." We must always move forward towards the sun, taking with us the ability to forgive as God's own son did even while being nailed to a cross.
In the wake of Nelson Mandela's death there was a reporter who referred to him as "the last true hero of the twentieth century." I was too young to remember Mandela's time in Robben Island and his release from Nelson Mandela prison in 1990, but his legacy July 18, 1918 December 5, 2013 has left an impact on me because it has truly left an impact on our whole world. His story including twenty-seven years in jail reminds me of the Apostle Paul, who also changed the world from a prison cell. If our faith teaches us anything, it surely teaches us that we are never too small to make a difference, even when we feel bound by our Failure present circumstances. How fitting it is to celebrate the life of "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in such a man during the week of "Peace" on our Advent wreath! rising every time we fall." Mandela not only said those words Here are a few lessons we might take away from the life and out loud, but also he lived them out with his life. We all face legacy of Nelson Mandela: failure from time to time, though seldom do our apparent failures land us in jail for decades at a time. Mandela knew, however, that there is no failure in standing up for what is Freedom I just finished the Restore Ministries "Journey to Freedom" right, even when the whole world turns against you. Even on program which has met at Woodmont for the last eight weeks. the worst of days when our only task seems to be breaking One of the lessons I took away from the class is that each rocks in the hot sun we have a choice to rise above our one of us is bound by something, desperate to break free. present circumstances. Freedom from sin, freedom from debt, freedom from materialism somewhere in there is a deep cry to be free. May we all live with the hope and courage of such a man. What There is something prolifically spiritual about our yearning impact has the legacy of Nelson Mandela left upon you? for freedom. Often we cast this longing in a political light, but there is a higher level of freedom Nelson Mandela In Christ, described: "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." What powerful words coming from a man who lived in a jail cell for nearly three decades!
Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 Visit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org
(615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-9319 email: wcc@woodmontcc.org Kim Adair, Editor Copyright 2013
Three Miracles by Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
The biblical story is abundant with miracles and miracles challenge our sense of reality. Curious minds have offered rational explanations for these astonishing events (an earthquake caused a temporary land bridge across the Red Sea; disciples stashed a large amount of food in caves and behind rocks prior to feeding the 5,000; Lazarus wasn't really dead). Does this help? In defending the validity of biblical miracles one commentator made this statement, "I'm always amazed what people will believe in order to avoid believing in God." However, in considering the veracity of certain biblical stories I suspect we all confront some dose of doubt. The miraculous event we celebrate this time of year is the virgin birth of Jesus. There are other miraculous components to this story but none of them carries us to the brink of the inconceivable like Mary being with child without knowing a man. After learning from the angel Gabriel that she was to bear a child Mary humbly asked, "How can this be, seeing I have not known a man?" And this is the answer she received: "The Holy Ghost will come upon thee, and the power of the Highest will overshadow thee." It is doubtful that these further comments from Gabriel assuaged Mary's confusion. As if sensing her bewilderment Gabriel added, "With God nothing is impossible." Hold that thought. I have come to understand that for most believers it is the miracle of Christ's resurrection that holds premiere rank in the hierarchy of their faith. As beloved, pure and hopeful as the Christmas story is it doesn't quite rise to the level of resurrection with its ultimate victory over death and profound promise of eternal life. I have heard many Christians proclaim that it is the resurrection of Jesus that stands at the heart of their faith. All other miracles all other doctrine that demands the suspension of human logic and reason may be delicately dismissed, but the resurrection must surely remain. And how is it that we explain this event? "With God nothing is impossible." Hold that thought. And one more miracle to consider: salvation. Salvation seems a different type of miracle, if a miracle at all. Unlike a baby being born to a virgin or a dead man being raised from the dead, lots of people get saved every day. And maybe that's the reason the miracle of salvation is often relegated to the category of blas or work-a-day. And yet, when we peer into the darkness of our own souls and confront our angry, selfish and helpless condition and realize finally that God has offered a way out, salvation becomes a grand and miraculous event. Some of us were tough cases. Then again, "With God nothing is impossible." Hold that thought. It took a miracle to put the stars in place. It took a miracle to hang the world in space. But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole It took a miracle of love and grace. (John W. Peterson) Miracles to each of you this Christmas! xo Thom
We are all looking for ways to experience the true meaning of Christmas with our family! Carols for Cancer has become a beautiful family tradition of candlelight, Nashville's finest songwriters and musicians, family caroling, warm chocolate chip cookies and candy canes! Carols for Cancer was created as a way to give kids and their families bravely fighting cancer during Christmas the gift of Hope! We hope you will join us THIS SUNDAY AT 4:00 p.m. at WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH for a night your whole family will cherish! This year we are excited to invite Holly Williams (a true Southern gem!), the Nashville School of Arts Madrigal Choir, Chris Tompkins, (this year's #1 Country Songwriter with hits for Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride just to start!), Juliana Cole (#1 song for Reba!), Heather Bond (my personal favorite!), Christmas carols on the piano, and so many more of Nashville's best! So, please come with your whole family this year and start the Christmas season off with your heart! Let's be bright stars of HOPE for kids' with Cancer this Holiday! All donations are 100% tax deductible and will go directly to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Hospital, and St, Jude's! We recommend $50 per person and $100 per group but will feel so blessed with whatever you can give! Doors open and Christmas piano music begins at 3:30! Show starts at 4:00! If you cannot make it and would like to send a donation, please make out your check to "Carols for Cancer" and mail to: Farrell Mason, 5738 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville, TN 37215.
Adult Education
Wednesday Night - December 11th
6:30 p.m. DivorceCare (The Bay) - Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer and Janet Wall *Last Night of this Class
11:00 a.m. Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer
Reflections (200) - Led by Roy Stauffer "Receive the Peace" College & University-Aged Young Adults (107) Led by Thom Schuyler Pathways Class for Parents (Boardroom) Led by Wendell & Christy Brown/Tom & Laura Dovan
WCC Youth
Youth Group This Week
Wednesday, December 11th 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Small Group Night (Off-Campus/Home of Mart & Denise Sesler) Sunday, December 15th 9:30-10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30-11:00 a.m. - Jubilation Youth Choir (Youth Wing) 11:00 a.m.-Noon - Sunday School (CYF/Chi Rho Rooms) Noon-1:00 p.m. - Youth Ski Trip Meeting (Youth Wing) 5:45-6:45 p.m. - The Bridge Service (Drowota Hall)
Woodmonts Minis-tree
Have you visited the Minis-tree yet? Find it at WCC to see if there is a gift of time you could offer to our church for Christmas!
...whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. - Mark 10:43b-45
The Nominating Committee, which is elected for a one year term, has the responsibility of selecting church members to be considered and elected by the congregation for leadership positions. This year we will elect: a Chair-Elect of the Congregation, three Board Members-at-Large, five Elders and twenty-five Deacons. The members of the 2014 Nominating Committee are: Marcus Crider, Chair Karen Conrad Kasey Clymer Polly Keith Mary Kiger Anne Mitchell Steve McHugh Kathy Patten Bryan Sargent Rich Sanderson 292-5868 298-3735 218-6634 953-2700 819-0182 834-4513 352-7669 269-0539 832-8070 370-8524 marcus.crider@wallerlaw.com karenconrad@comcast.net kaseyclymer@comcast.net pollyymk@aol.com maryhkiger@gmail.com da6223mitch@bellsouth.net bbmchugh@ourblakeford.com tom.patten@comcast.net bryansargent@aol.com rjsanderson22@gmail.com
The Committee encourages input from any congregational member for suggestions for these important offices. Please submit name(s) and reason(s) for suggestion to any member of the Nominating Committee. Please consider members you know who may fit these responsibilities and then contact any Committee member with your recommendations. The committee will begin meeting soon. Please make suggestions by January 31, 2014. The terms of the new Chair-Elect, Board Members at Large, Elders and Deacons will begin on July 1, 2014. Following are the highlights of responsibilities for Elder and Deacon: Elder Responsibilities (3 Year Term) Serve at the Communion Table once each month. If unable to serve during assigned time, find a replacement and notify the church of office, as soon as possible of replacement. Serve Communion to those who are hospitalized, as assigned. Visit individuals on our "Special Cares" list at Christmas and other times as needed. Attend Elders meetings on a regular basis. (Currently those meetings are held periodically on Sunday evenings). Pray for those listed on the Concerns list (as printed in the Spire and Sunday bulletin each week) and for the congregation as a whole. Prayerfully consider issues or items brought before the Elders. May be asked to serve as a member of the Official Board. (Only two Elders will serve on the Board as Elder representatives.) Deacon Responsibilities (3 Year Term) Sign up to serve Communion in worship twice a month. Find a replacement if you are unable to serve during your assigned time. Prepare Communion once a quarter for all worship services. Attend meetings and training sessions called by the Chair of the Deacons. Operate video camera periodically. Maybe asked to serve at other special events or services. More information on responsibilities and terms for all offices can be found at www.woodmontchristian.org (About Us-By-Laws)
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I want to thank everyone who sent me cards, flowers and called after the death of my son. It was such a great help! Woodmont is a wonderful and caring church. Thank you, thank you, again. ~Jean Akers We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family! All the prayers and support that we received from everyone at WCC during our mission trip to the Philippines were felt every step along the way. We often heard 'Because you are here we have hope,' but we could only be there because we had you to support us. Thank you, and God bless you! ~Steve & Deb LaForge
If life is getting you down and you need a Christian friend to listen, that is just what Stephen Ministers are trained to do. Please call Kathy Patten at 838-4957 to discuss the possibility of this being the help you need.
SHARING CLASS - Wednesday, January 22nd Led by Clay Stauffer & Roy Stauffer This class will focus on spiritual practices such as--Bible We offer a series of three classes which align to our mission Study, prayer, worship, stewardship, tithing, meditation, statement. Members and visitors alike are encouraged to service, reading, and many others. We will also talk about participate in these classes as they are offered. how we share love with other people every day. What is "agape love?" Christianity is more than just showing up on They will meet in the Boardroom on Wednesday nights Sunday. It is a way of life and a way of treating others. We after the 5-Star Dinners at 6:30 p.m. will also talk about what it means to find balance in the midst of busy schedules. A spiritual gifts inventory will also be a SEEKING CLASS - Wednesday, January 15th part of this class, similar to the one in Leadership Woodmont, Led by Clay Stauffer to help members identify their spiritual gifts and strengths. This class will focus on our core beliefs as Christians. We will discuss what the church is and is not. We will talk about SERVING CLASS - Wednesday, January 29th why we need the church. We will also talk about the Led by Lay Ministers Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), how it emerged, This class will focus on ministry and mission. At Woodmont, where it started, and what it is. Why is the unity of the church we believe that everybody should be involved in a ministry on important? We will identify some biblical images of the a regular basis. Ministry is not just something that the pastoral church. We will discuss the theology of the Lord's Supper staff does. It is something that God is calling all of us to do. and Baptism. We will talk about Woodmont's many We have all been given spiritual gifts and we need to identify ministries and programs and how you can get involved. What them. We will talk about why we serve and give back. Tallu is expected of church members in terms of time, talent, and Quinn, TNFP Director, will help lead this class and we will treasures? We will discuss the ways that God is present in our discuss the many different mission opportunities that we have lives each and every day and how faith and spirituality is an here at Woodmont. ongoing journey. 11
Stars (2 Yrs) Advent Helper Needed Pandas (3 Yrs) Advent Becky Griffith Sarah Drury
A huge congratulations to Jennifer Hudson on the birth of Baby Ray, who was born on December 1st. Proud big sister is Elle. We have an opportunity to bless this sweet Meal Baby family with prayers, food, and Website cards. If you would like to provide food, use the following link to their MealBaby site: http://mealbaby.com/viewregistry/16876175
12/11 - George Farmer 12/14 - Abigail Walker 12/15 - Sam Masters 12/15 - Calvin Hollis
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Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, December 11 6:15 a.m. Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) 6:00 p.m. Youth Group (Off-Campus) 6:30 p.m. Choir Practice (CR); DivorceCare (Bay) Thursday, December 12 Library Workday 7:00 p.m. Restore Classes (200 & Youth Rooms) Friday, December 13 6:00 p.m. Fabulously Free Friday - Childcare (DH, KC & Nursery) Saturday, December 14 7:00 p.m. "Carols at The Bridge" Concert (DH) Sunday, December 15 Third Sunday of Advent 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 10:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Book Signings - Farrell Mason (GH) & Leigh Ann Agee (SpireBooks) 12:00 p.m. Youth Ski Trip Meeting (Youth Wing) 4:00 p.m. Elder Board Meeting (BR) "Carols for Cancer" (Sanctuary) 4:45 p.m. WCC Knitters (GH) 5:45 p.m. The Bridge (DH) Monday, December 16 10:00 a.m. *Note Time Change Visitation Group (105) 4:00 p.m. "The Geezers" Men's Group (BR) 6:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Committee (BR) Tuesday, December 17 6:30 a.m. CYF Guys Bible Study (Off-Campus) 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (Campbell Stone) 9:45 a.m. Women's Bible Study (200) 10:30p.m. WCC Book Club (105) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (Choir Rm)
Let Us Know: Have information about someone in the hospital or with another ministry need? Please notify the church office during the week (297-8563) and Let Us Know.
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DEACON SCHEDULE
December 15, 2013
Communion Prep: Willie Bandy Service Coordinator: 9:30 - Marcella Derryberry 11:00 - Liz Anne Allen Video Camera: 9:30 - Grant Smothers 11:00 - Paul Hardin 9:30 a.m. Meredith Hollomon Gerard Stranch Tom Dovan Jack Derryberry Katherine Hartle Betty McHugh Chris Smith Laura Dovan 11:00 a.m. Cynthia Beck Dennis Beck Deb LaForge Sandra Kyne Pam Hardin Rich Sanderson Katie Johnson Selena Guilfoy 5:45 p.m. Rich Sanderson Adam Sloan Jeremiah Weeden-Wright Stephanie Weeden-Wright Tami Buchanan
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Rev. Clay Stauffer, preaching Sermon/Homily Title: "Overwhelmed with Christmas Joy" Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Justin Gung, preaching Sermon Title: "Let There Be Light" Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5; Isaiah 9:1-7; John 1:1-5 & John 8:12; I John 1:5-7 Weekly Prayer Partner
9:30 a.m. Wendell Brown and Kathy Patten 11:00 a.m. Alan Sowell and Gene Regen 5:45 p.m. Bryan Sargent