THE

Volume 41, Issue 52

A Beacon and A Bridge

SPIRE
December 30, 2013

Happy New Year from the Woodmont Staff!

Special Thanks to Faye & Hal Tevebaugh for hosting the staff Christmas party this year!

Welcome to Our New Members! Sunday, December 30th

Mission Statement
Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others

Allene Poole and Denise Brooks

(pictured with Rev. Anne Stauffer) WCC Blood Drive

drive
Sponsored by the Red Cross

This Sunday, January 5th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Drowota Hall

Please sign-up online at www.redcrossblood.org Sponsor code: woodmontchristian

Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming 2013 Areas of Focus
Prayer - Presence - Peace

New Sermon Series by Rev. Clay Stauffer begins This Sunday: "Back To The Basics"
Scriptures from the Gospel of Matthew Join us each week as we explore the basic fundamentals of life: Faith, Beliefs, Church, Friends, Love and Meaning...

woodmontchristian.org

Living Life with Few Regrets by Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
(Published in The Tennessean December 28th)

The year 2013 is almost history. What will you remember about the past twelve months? North Korea's ongoing nuclear threat? The rise of Pope Francis? The death of Margaret Thatcher, the "Iron Lady?" The Boston Marathon Bombings? The antics of Edward Snowden? Deadly tornados ripping through Oklahoma? The Vanderbilt rape scandal? Detroit's bankruptcy? The local debate over AMP? Partisan gridlock in Washington? Ted Cruz? George Zimmerman? Miley Cyrus? The US Government shutdown? The surging stock market? The crisis in Syria? The devastating Typhoon in the Philippines? The rise of Duck Dynasty? The controversial words of Phil Robertson and Cracker Barrel's dilemma? Problems with the Affordable Care Act rollout? The death and legacy of Nelson Mandella? What sticks out in your mind? The close of a year is an ideal time to reflect and look ahead, to learn from the past and hope for the future. What have we learned? How have we changed? What will we do better next year? Socrates is famous for saying that "the unexamined life is not worth living." I agree. We are all responsible for analyzing our own lives and doing whatever we can to improve and change for the better. Back in 2012, Forbes ran an article of the top regrets people have in life. The research was fascinating, showing that many people regretted these things in their later years: working too much at the expense of family and friendships; not standing up to bullies in school and in life; not staying in touch with some good friends from childhood and youth; not turning off the phone more or simply leaving it at home; breaking up with a true love; worrying so much about what others think; a lack of self-confidence; living the life that my parents wanted me to live instead of the one I wanted to; not applying for that "dream job" I always wanted; not being happier more often; taking life too seriously; not going on more trips with the family and friends; letting a marriage break down; not teaching my kids to do more things; not burying the hatchet with a family member or old friend; not trusting that voice in the back of my head more; not asking that girl or boy out; getting involved with the wrong group of friends when I was younger; not getting that degree; choosing the practical job over the one I really wanted; not spending more time with the kids; not taking care of my health when I had the chance; not having the courage to get up and talk at a funeral or important event; not visiting a dying friend before he died; not learning another language; and not being a better father or mother. Do any of these resonate with you? This Sunday, the first Sunday of the New Year, I will preach my annual sermon titled "This I Believe." Based on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builder in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7), I will share with my core convictions and
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beliefs and challenge them to think about their own. Here's what that list includes for me: I believe in God. I believe in love. I believe in Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Church (though it is far from perfect). I believe in the Bible as speaking God's truth (I don't worship the Bible. I worship God.). I believe in the mysterious power of prayer. I believe in marriage, home, and family life. I believe in free will. I believe in life after death. The truth is we all build our lives on a certain foundations. And when the storms of life come, and they will, our foundations gets tested. We live in a rapidly changing world where many people are lost and long to find meaning. Anxiety and fear are always present. We seem to base everything on money and status. Materialism and consumerism run rampant. We often love things and use people as opposed to loving people and using things. Ironically, our digital age that is supposed to be connecting us is leaving us lonelier than ever before. Many people are searching for meaning and they tend to confuse it with happiness. It is now more important than ever before to name our beliefs, our priorities, our convictions, and do our very best to live by them. Show me your calendar and your bank statement and I will tell you what is most important in your life. The younger generations can sense hypocrisy and pretentiousness immediately. Faith matters. Family matters. Friendships matter. We are often confused about the real meaning of success and what it really is. Perhaps Emerson said it best: "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived this is to have succeeded." Life will always be about the journey and not the destination. We should always remember that. With each New Year comes new opportunities. So farewell 2013. It's been fun. Here's to a new beginning!

Blessings,

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

Christmas 2013 by Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Dear Woodmont, our souls in the direction of the eternal. It's an experience of Christmas where you slow down and listen for an angel's anthem; stop and look up for a star bright; let your guard down long enough to feel the embrace of something holy; sign off from the computer and put down the iPhone, so the Spirit can take hold of your flesh.

If you ever wondered if God has a sense of humor you should see the shiner I am sporting on my left eye for Christmas. I rushed to a minister's meeting focused ironically on finding peace at Christmas, then I rushed to a beautiful prayer breakfast where Amy Grant sang carols about finding inner peace during the chaos of the holidays, and then I rushed head Heaven forbid, the sign above our inn door flickers "no vacancy" first into a bathroom stall door and received the gift of seven this Christmas and Mary, Joseph, and that babe savior move on, stitches and a black eye for Christmas! knocking on other doors instead of ours. God just chuckled. I run a busy inn. We all run busy inns. Just like those innkeepers over 2,000 years ago who claimed no room in the inn for God to dwell, will we leave no room for a miracle to knock at our door this Christmas? Will the Holidays be a blur of Amazon boxes, unsavory words in the mall parking lot, and exhausted spirits? If we are not careful, I fear we will get in the way of the birth of something holy and sacred, maybe even miraculous in our lives.

Christmas is about living in the hope that our lives have divine importance; that the labor pains of Life here on earth will eventually birth our salvation; that miracles and angels and bright stars in the darkness are within our grasp, that if we have the courage to believe and make room in our inn, Emmanuel will show up and help us endure the laboring that comes with being human, tenderly knit our broken hearts back together again, heal our wounds, and cover our lives in mercy. That's the miracle promised on Christmas day and every single day we have the courage and humility to take the leap of faith.

God made us the innkeepers of our souls. Maybe it's time we reexamine how we are running our inns. Life is not without its groaning. We are not in control of our lives, even though many of us stubbornly believe we are. We Who and what are we allowing to take up space, thereby leaving have no crystal ball to see our future, and there's no reversing the little room for the Beloved to cross our threshold? Are our inns Hourglass of time. And yet, God is knocking at the door of our so overbooked by our to do lists, our agendas, our busyness, our inn offering a new birth to take place in our souls. A new birth of need for control, our dependence and border-line addiction to clarity, creativity, healing, mercy, redemption, love, and HOPE technology, our pasts, our fears, that we have left little room for for a new day. God is daring us to experience something deeper, the mystery, the wonder and the grace to knock at the door of more profound, and holy this Christmas. I have a Shiner to prove our souls? it! If you are like me, it is mighty hard to let go of the reins, be still, You are the innkeeper. Open the door. Don't let this Christmas and invite a little "divine" unpredictability into our lives. There pass you by. is rarely holiness found in busyness. So, God sent me a sign...not a Star, but a Shiner to wake me up! Wake me up to a deeper Live in Hope, experience of Christmas that transcends the material and points Farrell

The Kingdom of God, Part 7: "The Royal Baby" Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
"Her royal highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son." On Monday, July 22, 2013, this royal proclamation was posted in London, England. It spoke of a baby who was just like any other, yet unlike any other. He was the long-awaited royal baby: George Alexander Louis, his royal highness the Prince of Cambridge and heir to the throne of England. The baby's birth was eagerly awaited not just in England, but across the globe, so when he finally arrived, word spread at the speed of light. "Oh, Boy! Oh, Joy!" announced the Philadelphia Inquirer. "A Bouncing Bundle of International Obsession," declared the Washington Post. "Heir At Last!" trumpeted the Daily Telegraph. "God Save the Baby!" exclaimed the Global News. "The Son" said The Sun, making a pun of its own name. In short, a baby was born and the world rejoiced. This highlight from 2013 took me back over two thousand years, when a baby was born in Palestine to a couple named Mary and Joseph. How different were those two moments! While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were rushed to the hospital, Mary and Joseph were relegated to a stable. The Duchess received the very best medical attention, but not even a midwife attended to Mary. Prince George was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but Mary and Joseph had to borrow a crib from beasts of burden. Throngs of paparazzi and royal-watchers craned their necks for a glimpse of Prince George, but hardly anyone noticed the birth of Mary and Joseph's son. In fact, no one at all would have noticed had it not been for the work of blessed angels and stars.
(continued on page 4)

(The Kingdom of God, Part 7: "The Royal Baby" continued...)

But Mary and Joseph's son is unlike any person who lived before or since. Throughout all history, he is utterly singular and completely unique. He, too, was a royal baby, except his lineage was far richer than even the House of Windsor; he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He was not only the firstborn of Mary and Joseph; he is the firstborn of all creation! His reign can't be measured in years or even decades, for, as The Hallelujah Chorus declares, "[H]e shall reign for ever and ever!" He is the Messiah and Savior of the World. He is Jesus Christ: God in Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! disguise and God in plain sight! At heart, Christmas is the arrival of the Royal Baby. Let us give him the "royal treatment!" Let us give him every ounce of

our love and loyalty. Let us spread the news of his gracious reign. Let us sing his praises and tell stories of his greatness. Let us wave his banner and hoist his flag. Let us toast him at every meal. Let us pay our glad tribute, bowing low with gifts in hand. Let us swear allegiance to his everlasting kingdom. Let us follow where he leads, even into battle against the forces of darkness. Let us sound the trumpet and beat the drum, marching for his glory with joy in our hearts. As the New Year dawns, let us resolve to worship him more fervently than ever before.

Benefits by Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry

By the time you read this, the newly formed Children Choir (Grace Notes) will have performed for Thanksgiving Sunday, Hanging of the Greens and Nativity with the Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Catie Pratt has done an excellent job of teaching healthy singing skills to this young choir (most are 1st graders). Having been a choral director for over 35 years, I would like to share what this type of education produces and some of the benefits that your child can receive by simply joining this choir. Additionally, music instruction had a greater impact on younger children, programs including standard notation enhanced performance more than those without standard notation." The above tech-talk simply states that students who learn to read standard music notation increase their recognition of time and space. This plays out in a variety of benefits from help in understanding physics to timing a three-point shot in basketball. 2. Choral music allows choristers to form an effective partnership with the great geniuses of western civilization, for example- Bach, Hndel, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms. Other forms of music allow this, but many other forms of art do not. In painting, e.g., the painter completes the painting and the onlooker can "appreciate" it. But in music the score left by Mozart is not the work of art. It becomes the work of art when members of a choir complete it as they sing.

The obvious advantages include: 1. Learning tenets of the faith through singing hymns, carols, and anthems 2. Learning a life-long pleasurable skill that is documented to reduce stress 3. Experience in teamwork; learning to accomplish a common goal with others 4. Learning history, foreign languages, math, and public speaking Music is not for everyone. It is, however, an oasis for many. Like most skills, it is better learned at an early age than exclusively as an adult. Parents, I hope you will consider taking Some of the less well-known benefits are: 1. Spatial-time recognition. Hetland, L. (2000). Learning to advantage of this ministry that Woodmont Christian Church Make Music Enhances Spatial Reasoning. Journal of Aesthetic offers for your children. Education. 34(3/4), 179238. "Active music instruction lasting two years or less was related to improved performance on spatial-temporal measures.

A Message From The Pastoral Relations Committee

As you all know, our ministers do not work a traditional Monday-Friday work week. Theyre at work all day Sunday as well as many evenings for meetings, etc. Below is a list of the days our ministers try to recharge their ministry by observing a Sabbath their day of rest. If you need to speak with a minister immediately about an issue, you may want to consult this list so that you are able to get an answer more quickly. We also invite you to keep them in your prayers during their weekly day off for Sabbath time. Clay Stauffer Tuesday Roy Stauffer Friday Carla Schooler Friday Trey Flowers Thursday Farrell Mason Tuesday Andra Moran Friday Justin Gung Friday Thom Schuyler Friday Stephen Daniel King Friday

...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 414-8345 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)

It is hard to believe that Walk Thru Bethlehem 2013 has come and gone. It was a blessing and beautiful gift for our community. We are so thankful for all the support and prayers offered during the set-up, event, and teardown. Walk Thru Bethlehem would not be possible without a supportive church. Thank you for helping us make this possible. We would also like to thank the following: The Mulch Co. Seth Norman & the Drug Court Sonic Little Critters and Mobile Barnyard Golden Coral Nashville High Lift Contractors Equipment Kimbro Oil

Creation Gardens Boy Scouts Troup # 92 Congregation Yeshuat Yisreal Littles Fish Market Woodmont Christian Choir Woodmont CWF Circle Groups Woodmont Christian Church Staff Walk Thru Bethlehem Shopkeepers & Volunteers Snack & Meal Providers We hope Walk Thru Bethlehem was a special way to start your Christmas season off wonderfully. Happy New Year and we look forward to Walk Thru Bethlehem 2014. Blessings to all, The WTB Leaders (Paul Hardin, Nick Small, Steve Smith, Beth Sowell, Jan Anderson, and Pam Hardin)

Give Us a Call!
Please be sure to call us whenever you need meeting space whether you have a group of 2 or 20. Our housekeeping staff relies on the master calendar to know who is in the building at all times. In addition, they need to be aware of rooms (and adjacent restrooms) being used so that space can be touched-up after use. Recently, alarms have been activated by folks leaving the building after the housekeeping staff has already locked/secured the building. When the alarm is activated after hours, a church member must respond and is often required to drive over to the church to address the issue. This is a huge building and it is difficult to monitor all the comings/goings. Putting your meeting/event on the calendar will ensure that we know you are in the building. Thanks for your help! Building Hours: Sunday Monday Thursday Friday Saturday

7:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Please contact Kim Adair for space reservations: 297-8563 or kadair@woodmontcc.org

"WCC Demolition Derby" January 3rd and 4th

The plans are in place, and the youth wing is ready to be transformed! We are asking for as many volunteers as possible to join us for a work day on Friday, January 3rd, as we tear down the walls to make space for the new layout. Even if you are not a youth, we'd love to have you join us to swing a hammer and tear down some walls. Please mark off on your calendar all day Friday, January 3rd, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and Saturday, January 4th, (times TBA as needed depending on how much gets done Friday) for the first youth wing work day. Bring any of the following items if you have them:

Shop vac Shovels (flat shovel or snow shovel)

Hammers Crowbars

Wire cutters

The church has generously given us the financial resources to renovate the youth wing. Please consider investing your time into this project as we get 100% ownership from each youth and parent (as well as any other volunteers) that will allow us to do even more with the renovation funds. We will also have at least one other work day down the road for 6 painting.

Adult Education
Sunday School - January 5th
9:30 a.m. Disciples & Challenge Classes Combined (105) Join us as Steve and Deb LaForge share their two-week recovery experience in the Philippines. All Welcome! (see more below)
Challenge Class (200) - Led by Bob Herrick "Biblical Wisdom Literature" Young Adult Class (Boardroom) - Led by Rob Quinn "More Predictions/More Angels" Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer "Loving God with All Your Soul: Celtic Spirituality for the Woman of Today"

11:00 a.m. Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer
Points of View (105) Discussion Group Reflections (200) - Led by Roy Stauffer "What it Takes to Succeed" College & University-Aged Young Adults (107) Led by Thom Schuyler Pathways Class for Parents (Boardroom) Led by Wendell & Christy Brown/Tom & Laura Dovan

The LaForges Share Recovery Experience in the Philippines on January 5th and 12th
On November 8th a typhoon with winds of over 150 miles per hour devastated the Philippines killing more that 6,000, leaving 2,000 missing, and 4 million homeless or with damaged homes. Two Woodmont members, Steve and Deb LaForge, took two weeks vacation in late November to go to the Philippines and help with the recovery work. Many of us have wanted to hear them talk about their experience. Now we have the chance. Steve and Deb will be sharing their experience, which they say was far beyond what they expected, at the following times: Sunday, January 5th at 9:30 in Room 105 - the Disciples and Challenge Sunday School classes will meet jointly, but all others are welcome to come hear. Sunday, January 12th at 11:00 a.m. in Room 200 - the Reflections and Points of View classes will meet jointly, but again all others are welcome to come. Woodmont is proud to have such true missionaries as Steve and Deb LaForge.

WCC Youth
Youth Group This Week
Friday, January 3 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Youth Wing Renovation (Youth Wing) Saturday, January 4th Time TBD - Youth Wing Renovation (Youth Wing)
rd

Sunday, January 5th 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) 5:15-6:15 p.m.* - The Bridge Service (Drowota Hall) *NOTE NEW TIME!

For more information visit www.WoodmontccYouth.com or follow us on Twitter @WoodmontCCYouth

CWF Circle 5 - Monday, January 6th 6:00 p.m. in Room 105

Circle 5 will celebrate the New Year on Monday, January 6, at 6:00 p.m. with a gathering and sharing of books, stories and poems that are special to each of us. Please join us for an inspiring evening, delicious dinner and Christian fellowship. Any Woodmont woman who prefers an evening circle is welcome. Please let Susan Hammonds-White know at sushammonds@bellsouth.net.

CWF General Meeting - Tuesday, January 7th 11:00 a.m. in Room 105
Christian Women's Fellowship (CWF) will meet Next Tuesday, January 7, in Room 105 at 11:00 a.m. Our guest speaker this month is Amy Hamar representing the Lifelong Learning Program at Lipscomb University. "The Lifelong Learning Program offers people of retirement age an opportunity to expand knowledge and explore new ideas." Classes cover a wide range of topics - comedy, Presidents, Ancient China, U.S. Policies. These classes offer an opportunity to add a spark to the long dark winter. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to stay for lunch, please make a reservation either through your Circle or the church office (297-8563) by this Friday, January 3rd. ** CWF Board will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Boardroom ** (please note room change) New Year, New Series! Join the Women's Bible Study for Max Lucado's Life Lessons: Books of Ruth & Esther (Book available at SpireBooks) 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month Beginning January 7th 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. in Room 200 childcare provided in church nursery Questions: Contact Martha at mwgalyon@me.com/390-9313

WINTER RESTORE GROUPS

Group Details:
Journey to Freedom: Lay a foundation for change in the areas that keep you from reaching your full potential. 8 weekly discussions within small groups focused on fear, vision, grief, risk & hope. This 8-week Class is open to Men and Women and will meet Thursday nights 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning January 16, 2014. Cost is $96. Boundaries: Understand physical, mental, and emotional boundaries. Learn when to say yes and how to say no without losing yourself in the mix. Set limits and promote intimacy with Boundaries. Completing Journey to Freedom is a prerequisite for joining our 10 week Boundaries group. This 10-week Class is only open to Women and will meet Thursday nights 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning January 16, 2014. Cost is $120. For questions and to sign-up for these classes please contact Erin Lennon, Restore Center Coordinator, at elennon@ymcamidtn.org or 615-297-6529.

Tele-Connect
Tele-Connect Ministry Reaching out to those who are shut-in, immobile, recuperating from surgery, new or soon to be a mom, grieving, depressed, just need to hear a cheerful voice. Join us on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Boardroom for a planning & organizational meeting.

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), how it emerged, where it started, and what it is. Why is the unity of the church Beginning Wednesday, January 15th important? We will identify some biblical images of the church. We will discuss the theology of the Lord's Supper We offer a series of three classes which align to our mission and Baptism. We will talk about Woodmont's many statement. Members and visitors alike are encouraged to ministries and programs and how you can get involved. What participate in these classes as they are offered. is expected of church members in terms of time, talent, and They will meet in the Boardroom on Wednesday nights treasures? We will discuss the ways that God is present in our lives each and every day and how faith and spirituality is an after the 5-Star Dinners at 6:30 p.m. ongoing journey. SEEKING CLASS - Wednesday, January 15th SHARING CLASS - Wednesday, January 22nd Led by Clay Stauffer This class will focus on our core beliefs as Christians. We Led by Clay Stauffer & Roy Stauffer will discuss what the church is and is not. We will talk about This class will focus on spiritual practices such as--Bible why we need the church. We will also talk about the Study, prayer, worship, stewardship, tithing, meditation,

DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES

(Discipleship Classes continued...) service, reading, and many others. We will also talk about how we share love with other people every day. What is "agape love?" Christianity is more than just showing up on Sunday. It is a way of life and a way of treating others. We will also talk about what it means to find balance in the midst of busy schedules. A spiritual gifts inventory will also be a part of this class, similar to the one in Leadership Woodmont, to help members identify their spiritual gifts and strengths.

SERVING CLASS - Wednesday, January 29th Led by Ministers and Lay Leaders This class will focus on ministry and mission. At Woodmont, we believe that everybody should be involved in a ministry on a regular basis. Ministry is not just something that the pastoral staff does. It is something that God is calling all of us to do. We have all been given spiritual gifts and we need to identify them. We will talk about why we serve and give back. Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director, will help lead this class and we will discuss the many different mission opportunities that we have here at Woodmont.

**5-STAR DINNERS will resume on Wednesday, January 15th** All regular Wednesday Night programming will begin on January 15th as well. Please see the list of additional classes being offered in next week's edition of The Spire. If you have any questions, please call the church office (297-8563).

Congratulations to all the new WCC Parents this Year!

New Babies born in 2013:
Alexandra Blaine Collins Ruby Grace Good Barrett Keane Harrison Percy Jude Mason Emery Grace Renich McLean Tucker Reid Ottinger Melanie Province McMahan Cristian Pelegrin Stephan Grace Milam Ellis Blanton Stokes Jack Thompson Neilly Thompson Ray Walker

(Please be sure to let us know if we have overlooked anyone)

7 Emily Webb 8 Alice Arnemann Greg Walker Matt Miller-McLemore 14 Madison Jones Mary Chewning Elizabeth Chewning 15 Ann Rising 16 Ann Griffin John Crawford J.R. Hand 17 None 18 Pat Nichols R.W. Groom Tammy King Jared Lostetter Evans Anderson Edwyna Griscom 19 Liam Anderson 20 Elizabeth Drake Matt Bacon John Reeder 21 Sue Montgomery Jackie May Sandy Smith Beth Sowell Taylor Glascock Emma Cate Gasaway 22 Jim Hendrick Donna Joyner John Collins David Rumsey Joey Smith Stella Malnofski 23 Julia Allen B. Gail Reese Marcie Anderson 24 None 25 Sallye Galloway Michele Robinson 26 Moulton Farrar John Henderson B. James Lowry Elizabeth Piercy Richie White Quinn Jenkins Linda Flowers 27 Jim Snider Mal Baird David Reynolds Sean Johnson Emily Tanner-Smith 28 Bob Faricy Lowell Stokes Nicholas Truppi 29 Albert Hooper Maurice Pinson Trudy Carpenter Melissa Potter Tessa Williams Caroline Dinker 30 Cathy Williams Bryan Sargent Kathy Davis Martha Galyon Madison Haile Anna Patton Mayes 31 Terry Cheek Katherine Smith

January 2014
1 John Ramsey Sally Hendrick Chris Miller-McLemore Benjamin Brady 2 Cynthia Arnholt Rebecca Short 3 Suzanna Dever 4 Bob Herrick Bill Tucker Hannah Johnson 5 None 6 Sarah Perry

9 Mallory Chewning 10 Greg Guilfoy Tyler Sinks Jessica Hardin 11 Jeannette Miller Amy Wright Pam Hardin Amy Alexander Eric Koestner Harrison Mason 12 Park Meadors Lillian Hartle John Thomas Jackson Graham Bacon 13 Bette Christofersen Bill Bowers Garrison Walker Massey Pack Darden Copeland

THIS WEEK AT WCC:

Tuesday, December 31st 8:30 a.m. - Noon Church Office/Building Closes at Noon Wednesday, January 1st Church Office/Building Closed Sunday, January 5th 9:30 a.m. Children's Moment 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Children's Church 5:15 p.m. The Bridge - New Year, New Time!!!

Sunday School Lessons & Volunteers January 5th 9:30 Hour 9:30 Hour 11:00 Hour ChristQuest Frogs (4 Yrs) Children's Church Ronda Hirst Kaitlyn Asher Jesus is Baptized Kim Sheridan Sarah Drury Stars (2 Yrs) Gloria/Joy Jackson Jesus & the Children Claire Drowota 4th/5th Grade Class Monkeys (5 Yrs/K) Jane Clay & Porter Topher Endress Jesus is Baptized Meadors Laurie Cooper Suzanne Smothers Pandas (3 Yrs) Donuts John the Baptist & Coffee Sarah Drudry Still Needed Becky Griffith or Christi Williams

Napkin Nativity at
the 5:00 Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24th

To see more pictures from the 5:00, as well as, the 7:00 and 11:00 Christmas Eve services, select photo gallery (under News & Events) on the church website at www.woodmontchristian.org.

10

Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, January 1 New Year's Day Office/Building Closed Friday, January 3 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Youth Wing Renovation (Youth Wing) Saturday, January 4 Time TBD Youth Wing Renovation (Youth Wing) Sunday, January 5 8:15 a.m. Elder Board Meeting (Boardroom) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. WCC Blood Drive (Drowota Hall) 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 4:45 p.m. WCC Knitters (GH) 5:45 p.m. The Bridge (DH) Monday, January 6 4:00 p.m. "The Geezers" Men's Group (BR) 6:00 p.m. CWF Circle 5 (105) Tuesday, January 7 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (Campbell Stone) 9:45 p.m. Women's Bible Study (200) 10:00 a.m. CWF Board Meeting (Boardroom) 11:00 a.m. CWF General Meeting (105) Luncheon (Drowota Hall) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (Choir Rm) 6:30 p.m. Young Adults (105)

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: Members and friends who are sick, homebound, or grieving and need comforting Each of us to be attentive and responsive to the needs around us All of us in the coming year to practice God's presence in our daily lives by being active in our prayer lives, immersed in His peace and obedient to His guidance.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

NEW CONCERNS: Pat Malone Tristan Soto & family, friend of Doug King's family CONTINUING CONCERNS: Sirrena Martin Sue Montgomery Maurice Pinson Gary Thompson Maddie Murphy Robert Mathews, The Meadows Jeannette Miller, Claiborne-Hughes Health Center Ron Stuve, friend of Karen & David Conrad Lee Lemke, father of Paul Lemke, West Salem, IL Donnie Meadows, Father of Donna Meadows Ted & Nancy Hammonds Shuman, family of Susan Hammonds-White Ann Erwin, friend of Patricia Taylor Dr. David Moore, friend and former WCC Sr. Minister, Cookeville Jimmy Gurley, friend of Clay Stauffer Justin Johnson, son of Anona Johnson SYMPATHY TO: Walter and Susan Hammonds-White and family on the death of Susan's Godfather and WCC member, Dr. Woodrow Wasson, who passed away on Tuesday, December 10, in Nashville. A memorial service will be held this Thursday, January 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodmont.
Sympathy To Continued

Brad, Jocelyn and Justine Sitton on the death of Brad's mother (grandmother to Jocelyn and Justine), Ann Sitton, on Saturday, December 21. A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 28, at West End Church of Christ. Nancy Hammonds Shuman, former Woodmont member, and her husband, Ted Shuman, on the death of Ted's father, Edwin A. Shuman III (Ned), Captain, USN, RET on Tuesday, December 3, in Annapolis, MD. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, December 10, in Annapolis. CONGRATULATIONS TO: John and Margaret Thompson on the birth of their twin sons, Jack and Neilly Thompson, on Sunday, December 22. Both boys are still in the NICU at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital. GIVE THANKS: Jennifer Ward, daughter of Janice Ward, Oxford, MS MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Clay Perry, son of Tim & Diane Perry Dan King & wife, Ashley King, brother and sister-in-law of Stephen Daniel King THOSE SERVING ABROAD: Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in Armenia Courtney Valk, Peace Corp in Republic of Georgia

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.

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.

PLEASE - NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE SANCTUARY

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Woodmont Christian Church

3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 615.297.8563 woodmontchristian.org
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UPHOLDING OUR CHURCH

BY OUR PRESENCE AND OUR GIFTS
Date Sunday School December 8 WTB December 15 282 December 22 258 December 29 199 Total Atd. 962 889 879 632 Operating $ 30,902 $ 95,618 $ 82,009 $ 55,715

DEACON SCHEDULE
January 5, 2013
Communion Prep: George Keith Service Coordinator: 9:30 - Marcella Derryberry 11:00 - Rich Sanderson Video Camera: 9:30 - Paul Hardin 11:00 - George Keith 9:30 a.m. Don Mitchell Roy Jordan Grant Smothers Tom Dovan Laura Dovan Terri McConnell Talbott Ottinger Jack Derryberry 11:00 a.m. Dennis Beck Cynthia Beck Stuart Lackey Deb LaForge Pam Hardin Teri Diamond Jennifer Lackey Selena Guilfoy 5:45 p.m. Rich Sanderson Scott Holley Liz Holley Jeremiah Weeden-Wright Stephanie Weeden-Wright

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

January 5, 2013

WORSHIP SERVICES: January 5, 2013 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Rev. Clay Stauffer, preaching Sermon Series: Back To The Basics Title: "This I Believe - 2014" Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29 5:15 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Trey Flowers, preaching (New Time!) Sermon Series: "Starting Now" Title: "Start Small" Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Weekly Prayer Partner

9:30 a.m. Emmie Thomas and Alan Sowell 11:00 a.m. Anne Mitchell and Gene Regen 5:45 p.m. Gene Regen

Kingsway Christian Church, Germantown, TN

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Farrell 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, Missions and Outreach Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, Director of TNFP Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Chris Beck, Finance Manager Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Ben Saunders, Ministerial Intern Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse Kim Adair, Administrative Assistant Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property Manager Housekeeping Supv. Topher Endress, Ministerial Intern Ginny Tharp, Director of Preschool Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Steven Austin, Housekeeping Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors for "The Bridge"