Volume 44, Issue 13

July 21, 2015

WCC Representatives at the General Assembly July 18-22 in Columbus, Ohio.

Spotlight On Living Generously,

Changing Lives:
Woodmonts
Gas Voucher and
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and
Food
ready Pantry
to share, Ministries
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

Seeking God,
Sharing Love and
Serving Others

ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR WOODMONT YOUTHS 2015-16 YEAR

VISIT: www.bit.ly/TotallyPsyched

Re-published from Birthday Sundays Bulletin Insert (July 12, 2015)

Fun Facts About Woodmont and Some Woodmont/Disciples of Christ History
Woodmont History
Woodmonts History (1940s on)
At Woodmont, we come together as united believers in Christ
and faithfully fulfill our mission Seeking God, Sharing Love, and
Serving Others. The only creed wehold is a firm belief in Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior. We are an open, loving and diverse
congregation that shares an extraordinary level of compassion for
others. Members andvisitors from all different faith backgrounds
and walks of life are engaged in church life at Woodmont.
Woodmont began during the war years (WWII), in 1943, as a
mission church of Vine Street Christian Church with Dr. Frank Drowota
as our founding minister. The congregation first met at Woodmont
Public School. The Mansion (now, our Administrative Offices) was
purchased in 1943 and beginning in 1944 served as a sanctuary,
parsonage, church school, and business office. Dr. Drowota
faithfully pastored the first thirty years, establishing Woodmonts
reputation for ministry, strong preaching, and excellence in meeting
spiritual needs for all stages of life.
The Church experienced tremendous growth early onand
continues to do so today. Our founding members and leaders
supported expansion of the campus to include the Sanctuary,
Education Building, Garden of Prayer and the Parsonage. The Spire
was installed in the early 50s and was described as a finger
pointing straight to heavenit remains a Nashville icon and can
be seen from miles away.
Woodmont has been served by some of the finest preachers,
pastoral staff and lay leaders among Disciples. For 72 years,
Woodmonts steadfast commitment to re-inventing itself for ministry
with each generation has made us a landmark church serving the
Nashville community and beyond. Since 2007, Dr. Clay Stauffer has
served as our Senior Minister.

The church family had grown to this size by September, 1945.

The Stone residence as it appeared soon after its purchase in 1943 when it
was being used as a sanctuary, church school, business office and parsonage.
An aerial view of Woodmonts
Campus in the 1960s (approx.)

pg 2

Summer of 1949 during one of Woodmonts first

Worship Services in the new sanctuary.

Dr. Frank Drowota - Woodmonts Founding Minister

Christian Church History

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) originated on the
American frontier in the early 1800s. Our earliest leaders, Alexander
Campbell and Barton Stone, spoke out against sectarian religious
practices that separated Christians and urged believers to union
based on the restoration of New Testament Christianity. They
advocated adult baptism by immersion, weekly observance of the
Lords Supper, and autonomy for each local congregation. Disciples
welcome new members by both confession of faith followed by
baptism and transfer of membership from other communions.
Disciples affirm the mainline Protestant practice of Word and
Table (preaching and communion). This prepares us for Divine
Moments when we commune, reconnect with the Presence, refocus
our spiritual purpose, and receive our marching orders as we hold

our hearts open to the Spirits guidance. We rejoice in the power of

Gods love through Christ to release us from sin, heal our brokenness,
renew our spiritual energies, re-vitalize our vision and empower ministry.
Disciples practice the priesthood of all believers which means
our ordained ministers do not do all of the ministrytheir calling is
to teach, disciple, and empower ministry among us. Ministry happens
whenever and wherever a Christian serves a need in Jesus name. All
believers bear spiritual responsibility for understanding Scripture as
a means of knowing Gods will. No one dictates what we will believe.
We partner with you to discover Gods gifts and calling in your life,
and equip you to live fully in the presence of Gods blessings for you.

Fun Facts About Woodmont and Some Woodmont/Disciples of Christ History

WOODMONT FUN FACTS:

11
Number of acres covering Woodmonts campus.

27
Total hours needed to fill (3) and heat (24) the Baptistery.

28
Greatest number of years current staff member has served Woodmont (Michael Graham, Music Director).

30
Number of HVAC units needed to heat/cool Woodmont.

72
Woodmonts age.

101
Number of new members who joined in 2014.

122
Number of people listed officially by the church as Charter/Founding Members in 1943.

210
The height of the Spire in feet (plus 7 inches).

2500 Number of light bulbs needed to illuminate Woodmont.

4294
Number of people who Walked Thru Bethlehem in 2014.

35,000 The purchase amount for the Mansion in 1943.

Clarence What the C in Dr. C. Roy Stauffers name stands for.
pg 3

Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: Woodmonts Gas Voucher and Food Pantry Ministries
Gas Voucher Ministry
by Rebecca Vaughan
What is the Gas Voucher Ministry? on hard times and lost his job. I could see in his eyes as soon as
You may not be aware that Woodmont he walked in the door that his spirit had been broken and he was
grants $20 gas vouchers to individuals desperate. It was obvious that he was doing anything and everything
who are in need. The needs range from he could to get back on his feet. I told him that I could give him a
getting to doctors appointments, going to gas voucher that was good for $20 worth of gas. He was immediately
job interviews, picking up and dropping appreciative and let me know how much this would really help him.
off children or running essential errands. Once I handed him the voucher he looked down at it and looked back
How does it work? Individual(s) walk up to at me with tears in his eyes and said, You have no idea how much
the front door of the Mansion and ring the this means to me, I have been having such a hard time lately, and I
bell - I can see and talk to the person from didnt want to ask anyone for help, but I know I need help. He began
the Airphone device at my desk equipped with a screen and speaker. to cry and apologize for being emotional. He wiped his eyes and said
People come to the Mansion front door during blazing hot weather, God bless you.
in the snow and rain, sometimes with children in tow and sometimes
Another story that has stuck with me is a lady we gave a gas
nervous and ashamed to ask for help. The only thing a person needs voucher to because she had just gotten out of an abusive relationship
to receive a voucher is a valid drivers license.
and left most of her belongings behind. She told me she was currently
Woodmont partners
living at the Rescue Mission and was trying to get her life together
with Pollys Shell, a
after leaving her boyfriend. She was so appreciative to receive the
family owned gas station
voucher and vowed that she would pay us back as soon as she got
on Belmont Boulevard
back on her feet. I did not think much of it, but sure enough a few
across from Christ the
months later she came back into the church office and paid back
King Catholic Church and
the $20.
School. Pollys graciously
It is amazing how such a small gesture can really make a difference
allows us to send the
in a persons life or at least make their day a little better. Having a full
individuals to their
tank of gas and being able to go wherever you want at any given time
station to redeem their
is something that most of us take for granted.
gas vouchers. Pollys
Pollys Shell Station on Belmont Blvd.
Over the past year we have had the ability to help 67 individuals
Shell is one of the last
put
gas in their tanks while filling our hearts with the joy of being
family owned Shell stations in the area. Mr. Polly, the original owner
able to help someone in
passed the business on to his son Ken before passing away, and Ken
need. This ministry allows us
still works at the station. Pollys Shell is also a service station with
to give just a little and get
mechanics on site. The best kept secret about Pollys Shell is that
a whole lot more in return.
they are a full service station who will pump your gas for you for free.
When people are seeking
You can stay in your car!
help, we are sharing our
There are so many people in need that come to the Mansion for
hearts, while also serving
help. I can remember a specific story of a man that came into the
our community.
church office and was asking for a small amount of money to get gas
so that he could make it to a job interview. He had recently fallen
The Food Pantry
by Lisa Rollins
Jesus told Peter and the Disciples to Feed my sheep and thats bags go. Demand is the highest in the winter right before the holidays
exactly what the Reflections Sunday School class (meets at 11:00 however bags are distributed steadily throughout out the entire year.
a.m. in Room 200 - taught by Roy Stauffer) does with their weekly
The Food Pantry also helps feed hungry peoples souls. Should
class donations.
there be a request for a minister, Justin Gung provides pastoral
The Food Pantry started over six years ago because Woodmonts counseling to food bag recipients. Over this same time period the
Administrative Office (The Mansion) was in need of something to give Reflections Class has also provided money for cows and well in
to hungry people who knock at the front door. The food bags consists Africa and Central America via faith based ministries. A little bit of
of non-perishable items such as peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, money can go a long way in the hands of caring people who shepherd
oatmeal, canned vegetables and soup which will feed several people resources to those in need!
for two - three days. Also included in the bag is a list of resources in
Nashville to help with food, housing, health care, substance abuse
support, education, job training, financial assistance and more.
The Patten family was the first to do the weekly shopping to keep
the food stocked, and three years ago the Don Rollins family took it
on. Things can get pretty hectic in the check out lane to ensure that
the correct amount of each type of food is placed in each bag but
Kroger employees are glad to help when they find out where the food
pg 4

Contributions In Honor of and in Memory of, January 1 June 30, 2015

Contribution in memory of:
Amy Alexander
John H. Beck
John Chaffin
Jerry Hughes
Mim Ingman
Doug Jenrath
Dene Jones
Katy Kiger
John Edward Lyon, Jr.
Stan McElhiney
Ruth Myrick
Gay Phinizy
Mary Jane Ward
Contributors:
Mr. and Mrs. Chance Allen, Sr.
Frank and Patricia Bell

Kay Butterworth
Loretta W. Chapman
Circle 3, Woodmont
Ben Davis
Mary Jo and Jim Phillips

and Marcy Diddle
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Forlidas
Judith D. Ginn
Ann Grannis
Marilyn K. Hare
Lee Ann Hawkins
John S. Henderson
Martha Hill
John J. & Martha M. Hobby
Gayle Hughes
Bill and Janet Keith
Robert and June Knabe

Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. Kyne

Steve and Deb LaForge
Jane M. Longhurst
Randy and Ann Luther
Jane and Jim Main
Colin and Sandra Male
Dave and Pat Malone
Barbara C. McClanahan
Thereza McCoy
Mary Beth McLaurine
Don and Anne Mitchell
Brenda and John (Leo) Moore, Jr.
Sarah P. Peay
Ann B. Phillips
Eugene and Elizabeth Regen, Jr.
Joan and Jack Schmitt
Gayle Smith

Time Well Spent

It has been such a privilege to work with an organization that helps women
understand that their past does not determine their future. With hard work
and determination they can make a difference for themselves and those
around them. - Volunteer for Better Decisions

Woodmont Christian Church has supported Better Decisions, a nonprofit

organization that teaches decision-making skills to inmates at the Tennessee
Prison for Women for many years. Woodmont women have experienced firsthand the satisfaction that comes from mentoring an incarcerated woman
throughout their 8-week program. Please consider being a mentor.
The commitment involves attending volunteer training (only once a year) the
weekend of Aug. 22-23 (9-noon on Saturday, 1-6 on Sunday), meeting with
your inmate partner for one hour weekly during the weeks Sept. 6-Oct. 25,
and attending graduation at 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 2. You can register on-line at
www.betterdecisions.org. Deadline to register is August 15.
For more information about this opportunity please contact Executive
Director Rachel Kinney at betterdecisions@comcast.net or at 615.832.8327.
pg 5

Mrs. Fred Tarkington

Sallie and Don Walker
Pamela Zimmerman
Contributions in honor of:
Cynthia Arnholt
David Arnholt
Mary Keith
Contributors:
Malcolm and Debbie Baird
Natalie and Jim Haslam
Pamela Zimmerman

Books Available for You to Bring Home

In Room 105, there are bookshelves
with books that need new homes!
Please visit the shelves and help
yourself to those that interest you.
Please note that only books (no wall
art, art etc..) and only the books on
the shelves pictured below (not the
bibles and books on the shelves on
the wall with the door) are available.
Thank you!

Woodmonts Mission: Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others

Nashville Rescue Mission Shares the Impact of Woodmonts Support
To the Members of Woodmont Christian Church:
Nashville Rescue Mission is pleased to achieve as a result of the generosity of Woodmont Christian
Church. This reflects significant accomplishments for general operations and sustainability of
services in support of the homeless men, women, and children in our community.
The following results occurred from January, 2015, through June, 2015:
Provided 329,750 meals to diminish the pain of hunger.
Provided 137,534 nights of safe nights lodging to homeless men, women, and children.
Provided 72 men and 28 women with life-recovery programs including 12,220 recovery class
hours, 3,002 HSE hours, and 491 computer lab hours.
Graduated 34 men and 11 women from life-recovery programs, drug and alcohol free, job ready.
Transitioned 54 men and 18 women into extended residency following graduation.
Employment was secured by 69 men and 8 women.
Thank you for partnering with Nashville Rescue Mission to break the cycle of homelessness and
change lives forever.
Most Sincerely,
Glenn Cranfield
President and CEO

Twenty Woodmonters
spent the weekend
at the Morgan-Scott
Project helping three
families in two of the
poorest counties of
Tennessee (Morgan
and Scott counties),
May 14 - 17, 2015.

pg 6

stay conne
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@woodmontccyouth
@woodmontccyouth
woodmontccyouth
##woodmontccyouth

@woodmontc
ON-LINE REGISTRATION
@woodmontccyouth
IS OPEN FOR
WOODMONT #woodmontcc
YOUTHS 2015-16 YEAR:
#woodmontccyouth
www.bit.ly/TotallyPsyched
the deadline to register
is August 1 in order to print
the Youth Group Directories!

We congratulate Justin and April Gung on the adoption

of their new baby, Isaiah Kennedy Gung bornJuly 15!
April and Justin invite your prayers until the adoption
process becomes final.

pg 7

Sunday, July 26
9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
Monday, July 27
4:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28
9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 29
6:15 a.m.
7:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30

Next Weeks Calendar

Worship Services (Sanctuary)
The Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)
The Geezers Mens Group (BR)
Cub Scouts (DH)
Boy Scouts (DH)
WCC Board Meeting (BR)
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)
Mens Small Group (100)
Mens Bible Study (105)
Younger Mens Bible Study (BR)
Chi-Rho Youth Swim & Study (Off Campus)
Library Workday

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

Our church family as we continue our Christian journey through prayer
and study of Gods Word.
Our weekday Bible studies Gods Word is a lamp to our feet and a
light to our path.
Wisdom, as WCC continues to pray and study the Scripture, seeking
Gods direction for our faith and practice.
Your favorite charitable ministry at WCC from feeding the hungry to
building houses for our neighbors. We are Gods people!

Date
June 28
July 5
July 12
July 19

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Sun. School
Total Atd.
Operating
255
747
$67,681
202
509
$25,272
230
734
$23,423
255
692
$46,026
Worship Services - July 26, 2015
9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Preaching
Title: "A2D"
Scripture:: Romans 14:1-12

Prayers for Our Church Family

New Concerns
Becky Griffith
Nancy Griffith
Continuing Concerns
Al Richardson, Stallworth
Elaine Markland
Donnie Creighton, Woodcrest Rehab
Mattie Chandler, mother of Cynthia Beck
Yot Williams, Richland Place
Military
Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve &
Judy Wilson, Middle East
Sympathy To
Family and friends of Wayne Puckett. Wayne passed away Saturday,
July 18, 2015. At his request, there will be no funeral service. Memorials
may be made to Alive Hospice.
Congratulations To
Justin and April Gung on the adoption of their baby boy, Isaiah Kennedy
Gung, born on July 15, 2015.

Deacons Serving July 26, 2015

Communion Prep: Patricia Taylor
Service Coordinator
9:30 - Jonathan Farmer 11:00 - Linda Webb
Video Camera: 9:30 - Open 11:00 - Robbie Quinn
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
Roy Jordan
Laurie Hester
Andrew Chelton
Billy Crawford
Don Hart
Stephanie Chelton
Tom Dovan
Ray Dickerson
Tami Buchanan
Joel Hysmith
Sandy Dickerson Sara-Kate Hooper
Hope Walker
Mike Robinson
Talbot Ottinger
Becca Robinson
Rob Cochran
Barbara Sullivan
Ellen Cochran
Mike Wright
Staff Serving Woodmont
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

Elders Serving July 26, 2015

9:30 a.m.
Michael Whittington
and
Fran Stewart
11:00 a.m.
Rich Sanderson
and
Sandra Carpenter
Wendell Brown (hospital)
5:15 p.m.
Rich Sanderson

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
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse &
Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager
Small Groups Coordinator
Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Joe Badawy, Housekeeping
Nancy Holmes, Childrens Ministry Assistant
Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping
Sarah Huffman, Accompanist
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
Maddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry Coordinator
Stephen Austin, Housekeeping
Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
Ben Saunders, Youth Ministerial Intern