In This Issue

Articles: Clay Stauffer

2
Michael Graham
3
Living Generously, Changing Lives Spotlight: The Nashville Food Project
4
Seeking, Sharing, Serving
6
Woodmont Kids & Youth
7
Cares & Upholding
Our Church
back cover

July 7, 2015

Volume 44, Issue 12

Child Dedication Sunday, July 5

Noah Michael Jobe with parents Mike and Lindi.
Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives:
The Nashville Food Project (pages 4 & 5)
Mission: Bringing people
together to grow, cook &
share nourishing food, with
the goals of cultivating
community & alleviating
hunger in our city.

Outgoing Elders open gifts at the Leadership Appreciation Cookout. More photos on page 5.
(l-r): Pete Kyne, Alan Sowell, Chip Phinizy, Anne Mitchell, Clay Stauffer (Sr. Minister), Bryan Sargent & Bill Heyne.

Woodmonts Reality
by Dr. Clay Stauffer
I write these words just a few days people simply disagree on this very emotional topic, and
into my sabbatical, and have already its not to be used as a test of fellowship. It is completely
been enjoying some quality time in unrealistic to think that one side is going to convince the
Sewanee with Megan, Montgomery, other side that they are right. United Methodist pastor
and Clayton. A lot has happened in Travis Garner wrote these pastoral words the Sunday
our nation over the past few weeks a following the ruling regarding the complexity of the
tragic shooting in Charleston, debates situation: "When we proclaim from our soapboxes that
over race and the Confederate flag, as youre either in favor of this decision or youre a hateful
well as a number of landmark Supreme bigot, were being shortsighted. When we say youre either
Court rulings that have been met with mixed emotions against this decision or youre championing immorality,
and responses. I want to expand upon some observations were failing to understand the complex reality in which
that I made in an article published in the Tennessean this we find ourselves."
Make no mistake, these are complicated times.Passions
past weekend.
I will turn 35 years old later this month. That makes run high. Fear is pervasive. Anger is real. Long held
me one of the youngest members of Generation X and just convictions seem threatened. On Friday, June 26,
a few years older than the Millennials. Throughout my many celebrated the Courts decision as justice long
entire adult life, I have watched the church argue, fight, overdue. Others felt as though five activist judges had
and in many cases, tear itself apart over issues pertaining spoken for the people and had no right to redefine marriage.
to human sexuality and sexual orientation. The topic has Garner also wrote this: "As a pastor, Im a pastor to both
done in congregations, ministers, denominations, families, the 5 and to the 4. Im a pastor to people who sharply
friendships, and has absolutely dominated the discussion disagree with one another. And the bottom line is this: all
within the Christian faith.It has overshadowed many other are welcomed in my church and loved unconditionally by
more important things. Many have said that in certain God. And all are asked and enabled to become more than
cases, the church has forgotten its mission to battle the what they are when they walked in the door a person
culture wars.The ugliness of the debate itself (regardless of who is continually growing and transforming into the
which side people are on) seems to bring out the worst in likeness of Christ. I am grateful that this morning, at my
church, there will be space for everyone; all are invited."
people and has driven many away from the church.
All are entitled to their own beliefs regarding marriage
When the Supreme Court made its 5-4 ruling on
same sex marriage, I immediately thought less about my and what it is.Many believe passionately that the Supreme
own perspective and more about what it will mean for Court had no business messing with an institution that
the future of Christianity and the church. I have been was established by God and has been around for thousands
adamant that all people must be willing to prayerfully of years. Others feel differently. The church would be
reach their own conclusions on this issue and give others well served as a place where civil and respectful dialogue
the right to do the same.Many already claim that we live can occur. That belief was at the core of my doctoral
in a post-Christian world where the church has lost its research.Our Board and our Elders are committed to this
influence in society.Some point to this SCOTUS ruling as principle in the weeks and months ahead. Demonizing
clear evidence that the church has not done its job.Others those with whom we disagree is never productive or
say the ruling will now give the church a chance to reach a good idea. The Apostle Paul identifies the fruit of the
people it has alienated and marginalized from the pews for spirit in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
years.I will also point out that both use scripture to defend generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.What
their position. My fear all along has been an increased you will not find on this list is anger, hatred, resentment,
polarization within Christianity, and if social media is fear, hostility, pride, or bitterness. Wherever Christians
any indication, it is happening. There are churches who might stand on this issue, let us not lose sight of Christs
are adamantly against same sex marriage and they are commandment to love.
Let us also acknowledge that we have the chance to live
digging in.There are churches who are adamantly in favor
of it and they will raise the flag even higher.I happen to out who we say we are a congregation of believers with
serve a church (as do many others) where not everybody different backgrounds, different viewpoints, and different
agrees on this issue.I know this first hand.I even know passions, all brought together by love and faith in Jesus
couples in our church who do not agree on this issue.Take Christ as Lord and Savior. I grow weary of a world that
always divides and long for one that accepts the reality of
my word for it.Thats Woodmonts reality.
We say in the Christian Church that we "agree to differing perspectives.
disagree.""In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty;
Blessings,
but in all thing love." For some, this issue of defining
what marriage is and is not seems to be an essential
(on both sides). For others, it is a non-essential. I think
that Christianity would do well to recognize that good

pg 2

Part III of Church Singing- Connecting to God: Down to Basics

by Michael Graham
In the previous two articles, Ive immediate improvement. Even professional singers have to
attempted to share a little information continually strive to refine their voices. You are not alone.
Step three is not even up to you. It is the responsibility of
about hymns and psalms, their histories
and the benefits derived from church the music staff to choose hymns that are familiar. We may
singing. I also shared that it is not a occasionally teach a new hymn, and no doubt, choose one
spectator sport. This final article will that is not in your worship experience. When that happens,
explore the question, "Can church listen carefully to the first verse and begin slowly to pick
singing be improved?" Why, yes it can! it up. It takes a few hearings to learn a new song, whether
sacred or secular. Dont beat yourself for not knowing every
Lets begin.
It is tempting to say to hesitant singers, "Just open your hymn in the hymnal. Remember, there was a time when
mouth and let it out." But people dont. Why is this? Part each hymn weve ever sung was new to us.
Step four is to enjoy the fruits of your intentionality. Famed
of the explanation might be related to the current cultural
phenomena of TV talent shows, like American Idol, or theater producer, Peter Sellars, once said, "Vocal music is an
Americas Got Talent. These shows subliminally imply that attempt to take the whole human being and project it into
only the talented few have the right to sing in the presence space.It is the ultimate gesture of getting out of yourself.You
of others. Another factor promoting this false notion stems take a part of you that is most private, most personal, most
from the might-near perfectness of studio productions of inward, and you hurl it into space. That gesture results in
music. Technology allows every imperfection of singing to an enormous spiritual release and is felt by other people with
be "fixed" in the music we hear on CDs, phones, radio and tremendous impact." No one said it would be easy, but when
TV. It is no wonder that the masses are a little squeamish Gods people are in one accord, powerful spiritual blessings
about singing in public. The standard that we hear daily occur (Acts 2, first few verses- "filled with the Holy Spirit.")
Finally, a thought from Dr. David Jones, minister of
seems impossibly high to reach.
However, step one in improving singing is realizing that Schrader Lane Church of Christ, shared as he addressed the
the majority of people in the congregation are not trained music faculty of metro public schools. Dr. Jones said, "As a
singers. Just the opposite is true. We are exhorted by the minister, I often find myself in the presence of people in the
scriptures to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord," not last stages of life. Do you know what they most often request
of me? It is not tell me what is my bank balance. They never
"make a perfect sound and impress your neighbor."
Step two is practice. Once congregants realize that no ask who is the most famous current celebrity? They are not
one near is judging their vocal chops, they are free to begin interested in which team won the super bowl. They simply
practicing this wonderful worship component. Take a deep ask me to hold their hand and sing a hymn."
breath before each phrase, use your stomach muscles to aid
in expelling your sound and give it a go. Improving singing
takes practice and intentional effort. Dont worry about
Hymn Choir - A Sound Adventure
It was a splendid hit for the singers and congregation,
Last year, during the well-deserved time the Chancel Choir
vacates for the summer, we started a choir of volunteers that so we are back again this summer- Hymn Choir II - the
were eager for an adventure. They were dubbed "The Hymn Sequel! We will start on Sunday July 19 and run through
Choir", an ever-evolving mass of singers that love to sing Sunday August 9.
If you are still reading, let me give you the script...
and are willing to risk it all on a Sunday morning!
When do we rehearse?
Sunday mornings at 10:30 in the Choir Room.
Do I have to read music?
No. The anthems will be well-known, familiar hymns.
Do I have to wear a robe?
No. We will not robe.
Will we process?
No.
Is this user-friendly?
Yes, very.
Can I miss a week during the four week period?
Yes. Two, if you must.
Since this is a hymn choir, are hers invited, too?
Yes, definitely!
If you have any questions, email me at k12tn@comcast.net.
I hope to see (and hear) you Sunday, July 19!
- (me again)
pg 3

Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: The Nashville Food Project

www.thenashvillefoodproject.org 3605 Hillsboro Pike (Woodmonts South Hall Building)
For six and a half years, The
Nashville Food Project has been
blessed by the partnership is shares
with Woodmont Christian Church.
Woodmont has been our home since January 2007, and
continues to provide tremendous resources to our small
nonprofit including rent and some utilities, financial support,
and dozens of volunteers each month.
The Nashville Food Project brings people together to
grow, cook, and share nourishing food, with the goals of
cultivating community and alleviating hunger in our city.
What a tragedy that an organization like ours must exist.
One in six people in America doesnt have food to eat,
and yet more than 40% of all the food in our country gets
wasted. The beast of poverty persists in our world - over
100,000 residents of Davidson County alone lack access to
enough healthy food.
The Food Project
has a foot in the world
of doing the best we
can to reclaim what
is discarded and to
recover the excess of a
wasteful world. Massive
amounts of patience,
frugality and creativity
yield healthy meals
Food trucks delivering meals.
from excess which is
shared in poor neighborhoods from food trucks every day of
the week. But we have another foot in a world that is a little
more radical, where we teach people how to grow their own
fooda world where sharing the very best we have is the
norm, a world in which food can really heal peoples lives.
And I dont just mean at the table. When people ask
me "who do you serve?" it gets complicated quickly. The
Nashville Food Project is for all people, but especially the
poorest among us. We see firsthand how food can heal a
whole community. Theres harvesting it, like we do every
Monday morninggleaning whats left in the fields of local
farms. Theres prepping it, like our volunteers do five days a
week in our kitchenwashing greens and peeling potatoes
and loading discarded fruit from Whole Foods in to our
dehydrator and making bread puddings from pastries and
breads. And theres cooking it, which our volunteers do in
the South Hall kitchen every day of the weekturning out
more than a hundred meals at a time. Theres sharing it
at a table, like our North Nashville neighbors do family
style every Tuesday eveningwith flowers, tablecloths,
real plates and silverware. And then theres growing it, like
equipping our refugee farmers to do in South Nashville
some growing for themselves and their families and others
growing for a newly established farmers market in their
community on Haywood Lane.
The most recent expansion of our Meals Program has
been to deliver nutritious, delicious made-from-scratch
meals to kids in after school programs at Bethlehem Center

and Salvation Army. These kids

take home enough portions of
the meal we provide so that all
the people they live with (siblings,
grandparents,
parents
and
others) can enjoy dinner together
as a family. Our Meals Program
has exploded this year. Our
ovens and volunteers are working
overtime to accommodate a tight
meals schedule and over 1,000
Chicken pot pie.
hot, healthy meals per week.
The goal of our Meals Program is to alleviate hunger,
of course, but also to bring people out of isolation and into
shared space. We have a nonprofit partner on the ground
in every neighborhood that our food trucks travel to.
Wherever possible, our meals are delivered alongside learning
opportunities like breastfeeding classes at McGruder Family
Resource Center, financial literacy courses on Trinity Lane,
job training for formerly incarcerated individuals at Project
Return, new vendor training at The Contributor, ESL classes
with Center for Refugees and Immigrants of Tennessee,
anti-gang programs at Mount Carmel church in Madison,
and the list goes on.
If you have never been to the Food Project, I would
like to extend a sincere invitation to you to come by to
volunteer or take a tour. I want you to smell the short ribs
braising, taste our 5-ingredient granola bars and peek at all the
creative things our team
can do with the already
seasoned and cooked
meat that Chipotle
donates. I want you
to see the bees in the
organic gardens, taste
the lettuces coming
out of the dirt, meet
the Bhutanese men
and women who are
Volunteers prepare meals.
growing produce from
their native countries. I want you to experience a food truck
run and meet people where they are and listen to their stories.
The Nashville Food Project exists to wail against the
devastating effects of poverty. And food is the tool we use to
strengthen the already-formed communities around us. We
believe healthy food is a right and not a privilege for those
who can afford it, and we do our best to rescue healthy food
that could be wasted to share it with people in need. Sign up
for a volunteer spot on-line at www.thenashvillefoodproject.
org, or email me, tallu@thenashvillefoodproject.org to get
involved. Our deepest thanks for your continued support,
Woodmont!
Tallu Schuyler Quinn
Executive Director, The Nashville Food Project

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40
pg 4

Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: The Nashville Food Project

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and

ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of
a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of
the life that really is life. I Timothy 6:18-19

Food truck volunteers.

Nepalese refugees attend weekly English and Garden training classes

at the Food Projects Wedgewood Urban Gardens.

The garden at Woodmont.

The Food Projects offices - located in South Hall on Woodmonts campus.

New Summer 2015 Read

Honored June 28 at
11:00 a.m. Worship
for their service to
Woodmont (l-r):
Billy Crawford
outgoing Treasurer,
Donna Bryant former
Nursery Coordinator,
George Keith outgoing
Deacon Chair and
Pete Kyne outgoing
Elder Board Chair.

recommended by Clay Stauffer

Faithful Disagreement:
Wrestling with Scripture
in the Midst of
Church Conflict

by Frances Taylor Gench

Paperback, 176 pages
More info about the content can be
found at http://amzn.to/1fkJU0j
Copies will be available beginning
this Sunday in the Spire Bookstore.

Orange chicken in the kitchen.

pg 5

Woodmonts Mission: Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others

Woodmont received a heartfelt thank you from
Spring 2015s Habitat build recipient family....
Every spring, Woodmont sponsors a Habitat for Humanity build that
changes the lives of families - our church family and the family we build
a home for. Church members and friends come out in droves to put a
hammer to a nail, a paintbrush to a wall, and to get to know one another
while doing the work of God. After the work of building is over, we hand
the keys over - keys to new dignity, new hope and new life.
In March 2015, we worked on our 22nd home! The Birihane family
(pictured below) are the proud owners of the home.The Birihanes joined
us for morning worship at 9:30 a.m. on March 29. Recently Woodmont
received this letter from Teferi (Mr. Birihane) expressing his gratitude.
Habitat will be our Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives in The
Spire towards the end of 2015. Please contact WCC member Jim Batson
for more information on Habitat at jimbatson10@gmail.com.

Dear Sponsors and Volunteers,

Do you know how we are happy?
Too much, we dont know how to express our feeling,
it is more than a simple word.
I and my families would like to thank you for your support and
generous contribution toward the construction of our new home.
Not only are my kids enjoying the benefits of new house but also
the new house will open better opportunity by minimizing our
living expenses and thereby enabling us to fulfill the necessary
for our kids and equip them to be the best student and be able
to have better future. They are also learning many valuable life
lessons by being a member of a new community the last three
weeks. Now we are three weeks since we start enjoying life with
new house with no suffocation and healthy life as almost all of my
kids have their own rooms. This happened due to your valuable
and tangible sponsorship. Please know that your support and
generosity does not go unnoticed. Without your involvement,
these things would not be possible.
Thanks for your support,
God blesses you and your family.
God blesses the United States of America.
Teferi and Birihane family. (Habitat homeowner)

Thanks, Teferi

Soup & Salad Dinner, 6:00 p.m. After The Bridge This Sunday
The second Sunday of the month,
The Bridge Worship is followed by The
Bridge Soup and Salad Dinner - a free
and delicious homemade soup and
salad dinner. Invite your friends and
family, and enjoy this opportunity to
attend evening worship and make
new friends over a great meal!
This Sunday at The Bridge Worship:
Series: "On the Road Again"
Trey Flowers, Preaching
Title: "Rocking the Boat" Scripture: Mark 4:35-41
pg 6

stay connect
stay connected!
stay connected!
@woodmontccyouth
@woodmontccyouth
woodmontccyouth
##woodmontccyouth

TUDY
S
&
M
I
W
S
O
H
CHI-R
y
this Wednesda

at Sequoia b
s clu
swim & tenniane, 37215
gL
2120 Chickerin

@woodmontccy
WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN JULY IS CHI-RHO SWIM & STUDY
woodmontccy
AT SEQUOIA SWIM#
& TENNIS
CLUB
@woodmontccyouth
WE MEET FROM 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM FOR TIME AT THE POOL AND A DEVOTIONAL / BIBLE STUDY
WITH ONE OF OUR ADULT LEADERS.
THERE ARE CONCESSIONS
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A FEW DOLLARS FOR A SNACK BUT
woodmontccyouth
THERE IS NO FEE #
TO SWIM. ALL STUDENTS GOING INTO 6TH GRADE THROUGH 9TH GRADE ARE
WELCOME!
MEET ONE OF US NEAR THE SIGN IN BOOTH EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 5:00 PM BEGINNING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
SWIM & STUDY 2015 DATES: JULY 8, JULY 15, JULY 22 & JULY 29
CHI-RHO SWIM & STUDY LEADERS: CHRISTY BROWN, LISA PITTS AND TREY FLOWERS

pg 7

Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, July 12 - Birthday Sunday
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services (Sanctuary)
10:30 a.m.
Woodmonts Birthday Celebration Reception (GH)
3:00 p.m.
Birthday Celebration Concert (Sanctuary)
5:15 p.m.
The Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)
6:00 p.m.
The Bridge Soup (DH)
Monday, July 13
4:00 p.m.
The Geezers Mens Group (BR)
5:15 p.m.
Cub Scouts (DH)
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts (DH)
Tuesday, July 14
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)
Wednesday, July 15
6:15 a.m.
Mens Small Group (100)
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study (105)

Younger Mens Bible Study (BR)
5:00 p.m.
Chi-Rho Youth Swim & Study (Off Campus)
5:30 p.m.
Gospel Singing - Wed. Night Pickers & Players (105)
6:30 p.m.
Potluck Dinner - Devotional by Justin Gung (DH)

Stephen Ministry (100, 232, Library, C/S)
Thursday, July 16 Library Workday

Prayers for Our Church Family

In the Hospital
Elaine Markland, St. Thomas West
Al Richardson, Southeast Georgia Health Hospital Brunswick, GA
Continuing Concerns
Donnie Creighton, Woodcrest Rehab
Mattie Chandler, mother of Cynthia Beck
Yot Williams, Richland Place
Wayne Puckett, Lakeshore Heartland Nursing Home
Military
Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve & Judy
Wilson, Middle East
Those Serving Abroad
Courtney Valk, Peace Corps, Republic of Georgia
Sympathy To
The family of Sara Farrar. Mrs. Farrar passed away July 2. Services were July
6 at Woodmont.

The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join Them in Prayer for:

Gods blessings on our new leadership and their families!
Our Woodmont church family as we reflect Gods love in the midst of a
burgeoning secularized culture.
Wisdom, as WCC continues to pray and study the Scripture, seeking Gods
direction for our faith and practice.
Our musicians and choirs as they share their gifts of music. God bless you!

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Sun. School Total Atd.
Operating
281
694
$23,707
262
741
$19,838
255
747
$19,838
202
509
$25,272
Worship Services - July 12, 2015
BIRTHDAY SUNDAY - 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Preaching
Title: "72 Years of Woodmont" Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32
The Bridge Worship, 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall
Series: "On the Road Again"
Trey Flowers, Preaching
Title: "Rocking the Boat" Scripture: Mark 4:35-41
Date
June14
June 21
June 28
July 5

Deacons Serving July 12, 2015

Communion Prep: Peggy Burrahm
Service Coordinator
9:30 - Jonathan Farmer 11:00 - Jim Hester
Video Camera: 9:30 - Charley Brinkley 11:00 - Jeremy Pratt
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
Laura Beth Brown
Steve LaForge
Jay Everett
Roy Jordan
Jenny Holder
Rebecca Everett
Erik Milam
Cathy Williams
Kristen Newman
Tim Perry
Ray Dickerson
Stuart Lackey
Hope Walker
Jade Forlidas
Jennifer Lackey
Laura Stephan
Nick Forlidas
Christy Brown
Mike Wright
Mari-Kate Hopper Sandy Dickerson

Elders Serving July 12, 2015

9:30 a.m.
Pat Malone
and
Mart Sesler
11:00 a.m.
Emmie Thomas
and
Donovan McAbee
Pat Malone (Hospital)
5:15 p.m.
Mary Kiger

Staff Serving Woodmont

Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"
Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Tallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food Project
Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors, "The Bridge"
Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager
Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse &
Joe Badawy, Housekeeping
Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Small Groups Coordinator
Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping
Nancy Holmes, Childrens Ministry Assistant
Sarah Huffman, Accompanist
Stephen Austin, Housekeeping
Maddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry Coordinator
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
Ben Saunders, Youth Ministerial Intern
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist