THE

Volume 41, Issue 1

A Beacon and A Bridge

SPIRE
December 31, 2012

Happy New Year from the Woodmont Staff!

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

Sunday, December 30

Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming woodmontchristian.org

Coming in February!!
"Christian Leadership, Ethics, and Character-Driven Decision Making"
Guest Speaker, Dr. Will Keim (www.willkeim.com)

Leadership Breakfast - Saturday, February 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

Woodmont Christian Church - Drowota Hall Open to the entire congregation - $10 for breakfast Please make reservations thru the church office (297-8563) or email at sspivy@woodmontcc.org.

Sunday, February 3rd

Dr. Keim will preach at the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.

Looking Ahead to 2013

by Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

As 2012 draws to a close, what will you remember about the past twelve months? Will it be Facebook going public (and then tanking), the European economic crisis, the London Olympics, the Republican primary, the heated presidential race, Hurricane Sandy blasting the East Coast, or the horrific tragedy in Newtown? Was it a good year for you? Did you thrive? Did you struggle? Did your life change dramatically? Did you make any new friends or add any new family members? If you could do it over again, what would you change or do differently? The beginning of a New Year is always a time to reflect and then to look ahead. It is a time to set goals and a time to start over. The New Year is also a time for churches to set new goals and to focus on priorities. You will hear more about that in the coming weeks. Every year, January is the designated time for our congregation to focus on the nominating process for leadership here at Woodmont. We are currently accepting nominations from the congregation for the following positions through January 31st: 1 Treasurer, 3 At-large board members, 5 Elders, and 25 Deacons). To be eligible for Elder, one has to have been a member of Woodmont for at least TWO years as of July 1, 2013 and a member for ONE year to be eligible for deacon. In considering individuals to nominate, please ask the following questions: 1) Are they serious about their faith? 2) Do they have a servant's heart and have they demonstrated leadership ability? 3) Are they committed to the overall well-being of Woodmont Christian Church and our mission? 4) Are they present on a regular basis in worship and in other activities/ ministries and do they support Woodmont with their time, talent, and treasure 5) Will they help move Woodmont forward in the years to come? If you can answer "yes" to each of these questions, then I highly encourage that you nominate them for leadership in our church. The following individuals have been approved by the Woodmont Board to serve on this year's nominating committee in accordance with the by-laws. They will begin meeting in February. You can submit nominations directly to any of them throughout the month of January.
Robert Ramsey, Chair - rramsey@rwbaird.com - #383-5728 Trudy Carpenter - mtwc@comcast.net - #269-8946 Nicole Clayton - nicole.clayton@comcast.net - #352-7853 Marcus Crider - marcus.crider@wallerlaw.com - #292-5868 Claire Drowota - clairedrowota@gmail.com - #297-2814

Jeremiah Pyron - jeremiahpyron@gmail.com - #484-7603 Jane Clay Meadors - janemeadors@gmail.com - #665-2507 Mart Sesler - mart@svmic.com - #480-9085 Richmond Williams - richmondw@yahoo.com - #331-1061

The nominating committee has a very challenging task year after year to arrive at a leadership slate based on the nominations and input from the congregation and to then present that slate back to the board and congregation for final approval. We are blessed here at Woodmont to have many, many capable leaders and a limited number of spots to fill. I have described our church before as having "More Chiefs than Indians." Some of you know exactly what I mean. The nominating process works best when the entire congregation participates. I want to thank those who have agreed to serve on this committee. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the weeks and months ahead. The nominating slate will be presented to the Board in March for initial approval and then will go before the congregation later in the spring. Final approval comes at the congregational meeting in June. The new church year will begin on July 1, 2013. Bill Gates once said "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." Albert Schweitzer once said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing." Blessings,

Rev. Clay Stauffer

The Spire is published weekly by: 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 2012

Open Hearts, Open Buildings by Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Children & "The Bridge"
elders, and board members all from our own church to serve as an "Inclusion Council." The Inclusion Council will spend the next several months alongside the Property Committee examining and upgrading our facilities for wheelchair access, scheduling inclusive programming, Introducing the Woodmont "Inclusion Council" designing children's Sunday School classes, and more. If you know of projects for the Inclusion Council or would like to One of my favorite Bible stories is the one in which Jesus get involved, please contact Marcella Derryberry at goes to visit the lepers that no one else wanted to associate mgfletcher@bellsouth.net. with. The Bible is full of stories about Jesus healing and spending time with people who are deaf, blind, sick, and paralyzed. In many ways, Jesus was the original advocate for What is an "Empathy Dinner?" people with disabilities. As the living representatives of his mission and witness, churches should be leading the charge The Inclusion Council would like to invite you to to welcome people with disabilities both physical and Woodmont's first-ever "Empathy Dinner" on Wednesday, developmental disabilities into our communities. January 9. This special banquet will be an opportunity to help Remarkably, however, recent studies have shown that over 80% of people with disabilities (and their families) do not attend worship and are not involved in churches. Why is this? I have a hard time believing that many churches would actually turn away these beautiful children of God. On the other hand, there is a stark difference between "not turning away" someone and actually "welcoming" someone. Unless we are intentional about making our buildings and hearts accessible to all people, we are not truly welcoming people in the way that Jesus Christ did. Marcella Derryberry was a part of the 2012 graduating Leadership Woodmont class. As you may know, each person who goes through this phenomenal program is asked to plan and execute a leadership project. For her project, Marcella decided to use her expertise in disability advocacy to see how we can make Woodmont a more welcoming place to people with disabilities. She has recently assembled a team of carpenters, architects, special education teachers, ministers, increase knowledge, awareness, and empathy for people with disabilities in our community. In this interactive dinner experience, you will see what it is like to have (and eat a meal with) a disability as we prepare to improve accessibility in our church. Participants may simulate what it is like to be blind or deaf or to see what it is like to live with cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome. Sara Ezell, who coordinates Vanderbilt's Project Opportunity, will be our keynote speaker for the night. We will also share some of the plans the Inclusion Council has begun to make to update our facilities and programming. Please make plans to attend this special event and help us begin to make our hearts as open as our buildings. Empathy Dinner Wednesday, January 9 - Drowota Hall Cost: $8 for Adults / $4 for Children Guest speaker Sara Ezell
Please arrive by 5:30 p.m. so you can be seated before the program begins at 5:45

Sunday School Lessons & Volunteers January 6, 2013

Stars (2 Yrs) Zacchaeus Jane Clay Meadors LeAnn Stokes Pandas (3 Yrs) John the Baptist Sarah Drury Frogs (4 Yrs) Jesus is Baptized Kim Sheridan Joy and Gloria Jackson Monkeys (5 Yrs/K) Jesus is Baptized Denise Sesler Christ Quest Ruth and Naomi Children's Church Kaitlyn Asher Christy Brown Donuts Still Needed

THIS WEEK AT WCC:

Sunday, January 6, 2012 9:30 a.m. - Children's Moment 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 a.m. - Children's Church 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Service

WCC YOUTH
Youth This Week
Friday, January 4, 2013 CYF Only Event: 6:00 p.m. Pizza dinner in CYF Room 7:00 p.m. Movie at Green Hills Cinema 9:00 p.m. Games, Music & Fellowship in CYF Room Midnight Lights Out Please bring $10 for movie Pick-up 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning Sunday, January 6, 2013 9:30 a.m. CYF Worship in Sanctuary Chi Rho Sunday school 10:30 a.m. Jubilation 11:00 a.m. CYF Sunday school Chi Rho Worship in Sanctuary Noon Dismissal Youth This Month 13th Ice Skating Time to be determined 20th Missions Birthing Kit Preparation 25th-27th All WCC Youth Winter Retreat at Bethany Hills

Adult
Wednesday Night

Education

5-Star Dinners will resume on January 9, 2013 (See Page 6 for more info)

Sunday School - January 6

9:30 a.m. Disciples Class (105) "Living Long & Living Well" - Led by Roy Stauffer Challenge Class (200) Book, "Love One Another" Led by Susan Hammonds-White Young Adult Class (Boardroom) "Thinking with Both Hands" - Led by Rob Quinn Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (Bay) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer 11:00 a.m. Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer Reflections Class (200) "Life Is What You Make It" - Led by Roy Stauffer Points of View (105) "The Question of God" - Led by Ralph Parsons and Doug King

CWF Circle Meetings - Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Circle #1: Will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the church in Room 200 Circle #2: Will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the church in Room 105 Circle #3: Will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Pat Johnston (24 Foxhall Close, 37215); Co-Hostess: Martha Hobby Circle #4: Will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the church parking lot to go to the Upper Room to see the Nativity Scenes and then will have lunch at the Scarritt-Bennett Center. Circle # 6 Will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the church in the Kids Commons area with childcare provided in the Nursery. Circle #7: Will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Siloam Family Health Center (820 Gale Lane) for a tour of the facility and then have lunch at The Pfunky Griddle (2800 Bransford Ave). Circle #5: will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7 at the Church in Room 105

5-Star Dinners Return Wednesday, January 9 "Empathy Dinner" 5:30 p.m. in Drowota Hall
Menu Creamy Baked Chicken Orange Zest Rice Southern Green Beans Spinach Salad Fudge Cake with Ice Cream Gooey Butter Bars Pizza for the kids Reservations should be made
through the Sunday "connection card," by calling the church office (297-8563), emailing the church office at sspivy@woodmontcc.org. or thru the website at: www.woodmontchristian.org. The deadline is Monday by noon. Price structure: Adults $8, Children 4 years old through 5th grade $4 and family cap $28.

GOT CHRISTMAS CARDS? We are collecting Christmas cards of all types to be used for this year's Outreach Projects, which includes: placemats for Room In the Inn, decorations sent overseas for military troops and helping "Lester" in Guatemala. Please drop your cards off in the ChristQuest area in the marked box. Only the fronts of the cards will be used so if you have cards with special messages written just for you, feel free to cut those parts off before donating them. If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Hirst at ronda.hirst@tn.gov.

8 Alice Arnemann Greg Walker Matt MillerMcLemore 9 Mallory Chewning 10 Greg Guilfoy Tyler Sinks Jessica Hardin 11 Jeannette Miller Amy Wright Pam Hardin Amy Alexander 12 Park Meadors Lillian Hartle John Thomas Jackson Graham Bacon

16 Scott Reagan Ann Griffin John Crawford 17 None 18 Pat Nichols R.W. Groom Tammy King Jared Lostetter 19 None 20 Elizabeth Drake Matt Bacon John Reeder 21 Sue Montgomery Jackie May Sandy Smith Beth Sowell Taylor Glascock Emma Cate Gasaway

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 TannerSmith 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

Woodmont Christian Church invites you to an all-church Empathy Dinner Wednesday, January 9 - Drowota Hall Cost: $8 for Adults / $4 for Children Please arrive by 5:30 p.m. so you can be seated before the program begins at 5:45 Guest speaker Sara Ezell Join us for the first 5-Star Wednesday Night Dinner of 2013! This "Empathy Dinner" will be a special event to help increase knowledge, awareness, and empathy for people with disabilities in our community. In this interactive dinner experience, you will see what it is like to have (and eat a meal with) a disability as we prepare to improve accessibility in our church. Reservations are due by noon on Monday, January 7 to the church office at 615-297-8563 or through the church website. Please contact Marcella Derryberry, Mary Clare Pyron, or Trey Flowers if you have any questions or would like to become more involved with the Woodmont Inclusion Council.

Happy Birthday!
January 2013
1 John Ramsey Sally Hendrick Chris MillerMcLemore Benjamin Brady 2 Cynthia Arnholt Olivia Smith 3 None 4 Bob Herrick Bill Tucker Hannah Johnson 5 None 6 Sarah Perry 7 Emily Webb

13 Bette Christofersen Bill Bowers 22 Garrison Walker Massey Pack Jim Hendrick Darden Copeland Donna Joyner John Collins 14 David Rumsey Madison Jones Joey Smith Mary Chewning Stella Malnofski Elizabeth 23 Chewning Julia Allen 15 B. Gail Reese Ann Rising 24 None

Congratulations to all the new WCC Parents this Year!

New Babies born in 2012: Annalise Marie Bacon Isla Lee Bell Elijah Nicholas Collins James Finley (Finn) Cropp Andrew Touchstone Donahoe III Chloe Mae Douglas Diane Kathryn French Charlotte Simone Hobbs Thompson Webb Joyner
Campbell Elizabeth Leach Thomas James Lyles Ensley Walker McMillin Kathryn Rose Organ Tallulah Margaret (Lulah) Quinn Clayton Robert Stauffer Cassidy Thomas Rex Clinton Waddey

You are not alone If you need a confidential and caring Stephen Minister to talk with when you go through life's transitions or difficult times, call Kathy Patten (838-4957).

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

5

COMING IN JANUARY
"Emotional Freedom & Wholeness"
Life is hard. Life can be very hard, but do we make it more difficult than it should be? In a new Sunday School Class beginning January 13th we will explore gripping emotions that can sabotage our emotional, physical and spiritual health. You are invited to attend this six week class if you want to learn how to better cope with stress, grief, loneliness, or letting go of fears, anxieties, anger and envy so that God can heal your hurts. This opportunity for education, spiritual growth, and group discussion will be led by Kathy Patten and sponsored by the Stephen Ministry. It will meet in the Board Room at 11:00 Sunday morning beginning January 13th. Together let's make 2013 a year of greater peace and wholeness emotionally and spiritually.

Financial Peace University

Begins Sunday, January 6 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
FPU is a 9-week program which teaches budgeting, finances, insurance, mortgages, etc. If you have previously taken this class, you may take it again because you are a lifetime member!! Sign-up here: http:// www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/ org/16185/class/221437/atid/l_mi If you have any questions, contact Cindy Gardner or Audrey Russell at: "Cindy Gardner" atty77@comcast.net "Audrey Russell" russellmoneycoach@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES

Begin January 16, 2013**

#1 Welcome back Donovan!

Former Woodmont staff member and newly engaged Belmont University professor Dr. Donovan Mcabee will be returning in January to lead a five-week Wednesday night class on "Faith & Pop Culture." With invited students and colleagues from Belmont, Donovan will lead a study of Faith & Pop Music, Faith & the Movies, Faith & Fashion, & more. The class will meet at 6:35- 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights in the Board Room.

#2 Bible Study
The New Testament Letter to the Hebrews. Led by Dr. Roy Stauffer. 6:35-7:30 in Room 105.

#3 Divorce Care
Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer, 6:30-8:00 in the Bay Room. This new session is offered for those whose lives have been affected by divorce. It will deal with such issues as "What's happening to me?" and "The Road to Finding Help and Healing."

#4 "Worship & the Arts"

This two week class will be offered by Andra Moran and "The Bridge" on January 23rd and 30th in Room 100.

**5-STAR DINNERS will resume on Wednesday, January 9 with a Special Dinner and Program. All regular Wednesday Night classes begin on January 16. If you have any questions, please call the church office - 297-8563.

TO WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH:

This note is to thank you all for your generosity and outpouring of support after my accident. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the prayers, phone calls, visits and wonderful food that my church family so graciously provided me. I thank you all for your offering to run errands, pick up kids, and all that you offered to do to help. Your kindness during my recovery has lifted my spirits; and at times I am overwhelmed with emotion from thoughts of the compassion you showed me. I can't find words to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your love and support. You cannot know the depth of my love and gratitude for all of you. In Christ,

Mike Fuller

Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, January 2 7:00 a.m. Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) 6:30 p.m. Choir Practice (CR) Leadership Woodmont (200) Thursday, January 3 Library Workday 6:00 p.m. Outreach Committee Meeting (BR) 7:00 p.m. Restore on Thursday Classes (Chi Rho, Jubilation) Sunday, January 6 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Financial Peace University (200) 4:45 p.m. Woodmont Knitters (GH) 5:45 p.m. The Bridge Service (DH) Monday, January 7 4:00 p.m. Small Group for Men (BR) 6:00 p.m. CWF Circle 5 (105) Tuesday, January 8 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (CS) 10:00 a.m. CWF Circle 6 in Kids Commons (Childcare in Nursery) 10:30 a.m. CWF Circle 1 (200); Circle 2 (105) Circles 3, 4 & 7 (Off-Campus) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (234)

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground For peace in the world this New Year For our Nominating Committee who has the responsibility of selecting church members to be considered and elected by the congregation for leadership For those people in Nashville, in the United States, and in the world who suffer from hunger, shelter, and lack the essentials for life For our shut-in members who cannot join us in church

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

IN THE HOSPITAL: John Thomas Rogers, friend of Steve & Deb LaForge, Vanderbilt Burn ICU NEW CONCERN: Madelyn McConnell CONTINUING CONCERNS: Emily Duncan Merillat Flowers Mistye Meador Monte Good Janet Howell Joe Bandy Joyce White Mike Fuller Bob Bruce Peggy Johnson Amy Alexander Red Warnock Jeannette Miller Penny Stelling
www.caringbridge.org/visit/pennystelling

SYMPATHY TO: Loch, Catherine and Catherine Anne Caffey on the death of Catherine's mother, Martha Riddle Schwartz, on Sunday, December 23. Visitation will be at Woodmont on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Hall with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Robert Gilliam on the death of his father, Robert "Bob" Gilliam, on Tuesday, December 25. A memorial service was held Saturday, December 29, at Forest Hills Baptist Church.

GIVE THANKS: David Hardin, uncle of Paul Hardin

MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Graham Heilig, brother of Kirsten Lowe Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve & Judy Wilson 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
*Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns will now only be listed for up to one month. If you wish to have a continuing concern remain on the list after one month, please renew your request each month by calling the church office.*

Carole Baker Koonce

www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolekoonce

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.

Mark Ethridge, cousin of Mary Kiger Vicky Galyon, mother of LA Galyon, Knoxville, TN Bryan King, close friend of the Stauffer Family Beth & Daniel Ellis, niece and nephew-in-law of Betty Brent June Stewart, mother of Margie Quin Gary Jones, father of Pam Groom, Louisville, KY Jane Drury, sister of Mark Drury

PLEASE - NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE SANCTUARY

Woodmont Christian Church

3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 615.297.8563 woodmontchristian.org
Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization U S Postage PA ID Nashville, Tennessee Permit No. 1204

UPHOLDING OUR CHURCH

BY OUR PRESENCE AND OUR Date Sunday School Total Atd. December 9 WTB 964 December 16 272 841 December 23 239 795 December 30 245 624 GIFTS
Operating $ 52,644 $ 50,050 $ 89,064 $ 57,525

DEACON SCHEDULE
January 6, 2012
Communion Prep: Service Coordinator: Video Camera: Nora Rich 9:30 - Marcella Derryberry 11:00 - Rich Sanderson 9:30 - Jack Derryberry 11:00 - Nora Rich 5:45 p.m. Rich Sanderson Adam Sloan Scott Holley Liz Holley Jeremiah Weeden-Wright Stephanie Weeden-Wright

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

January 6, 2012

WORSHIP SERVICES: January 6, 2012

9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m. Grant Smothers Anne-Marie Farmer Leigh Ann Agee 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Clay Stauffer, Preaching Tom Dovan Sermon: "This I Believe" Terri McConnell Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29 Milly Moore Betty McHugh Weekly Prayer Partner Laura Dovan Decatur-Trinity Christian Church, Memphis, TN

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Preaching Sermon: "This I Believe" Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29

11:00 a.m. Bob Garrard Mart Sesler Steve LaForge Deb LaForge Pam Hardin Paul Hardin Teri Diamond Denise Sesler

9:30 a.m. Kathy Patten and Chip Phinizy 11:00 a.m. David Conrad and Gene Regen 5:45 p.m. Gene Regen

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Church Life Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Families & Young Adults Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Children & "The Bridge" Thom Schuyler, Youth Director Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director & Outreach Min. Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Stasia Spivy, Receptionist Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Directors of Music & the Arts for "The Bridge" Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Ginny Tharp, Director of Preschool Kim Adair, Administrative Assistant Steven Austin, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property Manager - Housekeeping Supv.