The Spire

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 14,

28, 2017

Woodmont's
CHILD DEDICATION2017 Father-Daughter dance
February
Robert Arthur French, son of Brad 12, 2017
and Grace - See pages 4 & 5 for photos!
French
February 26, 2017

Welcome New Members! Intro to Woodmont, February 19, 2017

RSVP THIS WEEK!

CHILD DEDICATION
Cannon Philip Milam, son of Erik and Michelle Milam
Nathan and Laura Hysmith February 12, 2017
Jeri Johnson Martin & Sarah Henry Akin
Woodmont Christian
Woodmont Church
Christian 615.297.8563
Church 615.297.8563 www.woodmontchristian.org
www.woodmontchristian.org 3601
3601Hillsboro
Hillsboro Road
Road Nashville,
Nashville, Tennessee
Tennessee 37215
37215
Sign up to get daily devotions from Woodmont delivered to your inbox OUR MIS SION:
every morning during Lent at www.woodmontchristian.org/lent Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God,
Sharing Love, and Serving Others.

OUR CORE VA LUES:

Were smart and good, pretty and talented, witty and full of great
ideas. We go to work every day wearing our titles like Boy Scout badges Welcoming
informing the world that we know what were doing. But secretly, were Outstanding Worship
scared someone will find out that we really dont. Outreach
Different Traditions
Our families appear to the world like the picture of happiness, but truth Mission & Ministry
is, we live every day with the pain of disappointment, betrayal and
broken relationships. We tell the world we are peaceful and purpose- On The Move
filled, but inside were scared and lonely, and we wonder all the time Nurturing
about lifes deeper meaning. Transforming
And so, from places near and far, many of us will make our way to quiet
sanctuaries on Ash Wednesday. There, marked with the dust of our WOODMONTS MINISTERIAL STAFF
world, we will pause or kneel, and someone will meet our eyes and say: Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Rev. Justin Gung Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Farrell Mason Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Rev. Chris Cox Minister of Youth & Their Families
Michael Graham Director of Music Ministry
Mary Clare Pyron Parish Nurse
Katie Sheridan Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Today is Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes remind us that Thom Schuyler Director of Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
We are dust, and to dust we shall return (Ecclesiastes 3:20). What do Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge
you need to get your heart, mind, and being into the proper posture Stephen Daniel King Worship Musician
to anticipate Christs death and resurrection? Maybe youd like to Abby McLean Childrens Ministry Director
experiment with different spiritual practices during this time. Maybe Anne-Marie Farmer Director of Small Groups & Connections
theres something specific you can remove from your life for this season
to make space.
WOODMONTS SUPPORT STAFF
Think about what it would look like for you to orient your life around Chris Beck Business Administrator
Gods presence in your life, as opposed to focusing solely on the here- Mandy Barton Brown Executive Assistant
and-now demands of your day-to-day life. Well incorporate these Russell Davis Accompanist
thoughts and ideas into tomorrows practice, centered on implementing Martha Duff Director of Preschool
Lent in your life. MacKenzie Baldwin Administrative Assistant
Sam Marsh Property & Facilities Manager
Matt Diffenderfer Communications Director

For assistance, please call the church office at

Cover me with ashes,
the thick-smoke soot of the earth.
Make my breathing like the journey
from death into life -- second by second,
prayer by prayer.
615.297.8563 or email info@woodmontcc.org
Get the most up-to-date information at
www.woodmontchristian.org

Cover me with mercy --

let my cheek come to rest on the cold earth, Woodmont Christian Church
its faithful presence a call to walk humbly 3601 Hillsboro Road
beyond myself Nashville, Tennessee 37215
beyond my fears 615.297.8563
and ever on to the red road that leads to your love.
- Adrienne Trevathan, Native American religious educator www.woodmontchristian.org

pg 2
 What is Lent?
by Alexis James Waggoner
NEW AT WOODMONT!
Tomorrow marks the beginning of
Lent, and the start of our journey to Join the club -
Easter. But what IS Lent? There are
three components to understanding The Dinner Club!
this season and its relevance to our
contemporary context.

1) - Lent is an important part of the church

calendar. Its a call to live mindfully in Gods presence, to engage
in spiritual practice that centers our life on the truths of our faith.

Lent is a season of solemn contemplation as we anticipate Jesus

death and resurrection. Observing Lent allows us time and space
to get our hearts, minds, and very beings in the proper posture
for experiencing these events that are crucial to the Christian
faith.

2) - Lent is historically significant to the Christian faith. During

Lent, we are harkening back to Jesus fasting and prayer in the
wilderness for 40 days.
I love the Jewish concept of an Ebenezer - a reminder of where
weve been and where weve seen God at work. Lent is an
Ebenezer; it reminds us of Jesus full humanity: his hunger, his
testing, his refutation of evil powers. It encourages us to insert
ourselves into this story and make it our own, allowing God to
show up in our lives.
3) - Observing Lent is helpful for personal spiritual practice.
Preparing your heart to fully experience Easter is powerful. I
encourage you during this time to do something outside your
spiritual comfort zone to stretch yourself and observe the Spirit
in your life.
I hope as part of this endeavor that youll sign up for our daily
Lenten devotional series. Well delve further into this time
in the church calendar, and also investigate Jesus teachings,
attributes of God, our calling as Christians, and other topics
important to our faith.
Additionally, on Wednesday nights starting on March 15th and
running through April 5th, Ill be leading a class based on this
pursuit of deepened spirituality during the Lenten season.
Dinner groups are forming now!
We need your feedback!
Dinner Groups are made up of 10-12 adults who
meet once a month for 4 months to have dinner and
get to know each other.
If youre interested in joining The Dinner Club, visit
www.woodmontchristian.org/dinnerclub
and answer three questions so we can find the best
fit for you:
1 - When would you like to meet? Weekend
evening, Sunday lunch, or weekday evening?
2 - Which would you prefer? An adult-only group or
a group with children present?
3 - Who would you like to be in a group with?
Multi-generational, young adults (20-35), mid-lifers
(35-50), or mature adults (50+)?
LET US KNOW YOUR INTERESTS!
www.woodmontchristian.org/dinnerclub
QUESTIONS? Contact Anne-Marie Farmer at
615-297-5943 or annemarie@woodmontcc.org

pg 3
 Notes On A Mystic
by Michael Graham
Gabriel Faur (1845-1924) is one of my favorite composers. In 1981, starting my high school choral
music teaching career at an inner-city school, East High in Nashville, I first became acquainted with
his Requiem for small orchestra and choir. The metro high schools were joining forces to perform
the work, led by Dr. David Cassel, who had been a mentor of mine at Peabody. It was a challenge
for a green newbie teacher and students who thought Latin music was by Ricky Ricardo, but we
faced the challenge with determination and my students intuitively knew the final product was worth
the effort.

It is my opinion, based on his music, that Faur was a mystic. His harmonic language was dreamy and subtle, and though based
on traditional chords, he created in each movement a little world of its own, not bound by time, style or predictability. Faur
was, 50 years ahead of the movement, already a minimalist in design, sparingly using only what was needed to communicate
the message at hand. For example, he uses violins in just a few spots and not at all in some movements, preferring the
richness of the violas and cellos to conjure the weaving, ensnaring net of hell (Offertory, 2nd mvt) and doesnt bring altos into
the light of the ever building Sanctus until the last few measures and then, only on one word.

The Requiem speaks of light, darkness, praise, and consistently points to Jesus as the savior that delivers from eternal death
and grants eternal rest. The Chancel Choir will perform the work on Palm Sunday at 3 P.M. in the sanctuary. I will write more
about it as time draws near. Thanks be to God for the gift of His Son and the vehicle of such sublime music with which to
praise Him.

NEW VIDEO FROM ANNE!

GodFresh - Experiencing the Power of Gods Word
Each week, Anne Stauffer will be releasing a new
YouTube video via her website along with downloadable
readings and reflection questions. The series is designed
to help you feel a personal connection with the message
and find spiritual growth throughout the week.
WATCH ABRAHAM PLEADS - GODFRESH FEB. 26, 2017
Go to www.bit.ly/godfresh6

Heavenly Groove
by Andra Moran
A few weeks ago, I strapped my baby into her carseat and handed her the little toy she likes in
the car. It plays bouncy little synthesizer Mozart tunes and blinks primary colors. Calla loves this
toy, happily coos at it, and pushes the buttons while I drive. This particular trip, however, I had to
learn some background vocals for a show with an 80s cover band, so Calla was in the backseat
with Mozart and I popped in a Michael Jackson CD up front. Within the first few bars of Billie
Jean, I realized that Calla wasnt cooing. I looked in the rearview mirror and found Calla wide-eyed
and listening hard. The toy was forgotten in her hand. As soon as the chorus hit, Calla threw her toy
across the car and began clapping and kicking and bobbing her head. So much for some squashed,
synthesized version of Mozart-- here was the full shebang of groove a la The King of Pop.

This week I said goodbye to two friends, DJ Knapp and Carol Parsons; two different women who were both important to me.
In some strange way, I have been thinking a lot about Callas reaction to the music in light of their deaths. It was clear that Calla
recognized the joy and the power of the full sonic spectrum as she experienced Michael Jacksons music for the first time.

I wonder if there is connection here with the way we may move toward heaven. The way Im imagining it, here on Earth, we
get the small version of the full story. We hold it in our hands, riding through our lives, and then, at some point, everything
opens up and we hear Glory, and we dance in time with the Holy One. My hope is that the closer we listen, the more well be
able to hear glimpses of that heavenly groove, and in doing so, well be able to get synced with Gods rhythm to the here and
now. Lets dance!
pg 4
 Hope Without
Change
by Thom Schuyler

We live in a culture assaulted

February 10, 2017
Dear Dr. Stauffer,
Thank you so much for Woodmont Christian Churchs
generous total donation of $30,000 to Habitat for
Humanity of Greater Nashville. Your kind gift will
support the Spring Build!
One of our sponsors recently said We believe in the
mission of Habitat - helping people who want to live
life responsibly by\ taking care of their families and
helping their neighbors. We all need each other and
Habitat expresses that so well. Your gift will help
us make the dream of homeownership a reality for
deserving families.
Thank you so much for your generosity and for
helping to Build Better Lives.
by marketing. By the time
we awaken, flip on a TV, fire
up a pot of coffee, shower,
dress, jump in our cars and arrive
at our daily destinations we will be confronted with
dozens of suggestions about where to eat, what to
wear, why to buy gold, who to vote for and how to
prepare for the coming global financial collapse. The
Internet is far worse than TV or radio with its infinite
pop-up ads, banner signs and special offers barging
onto the screen. It is all very annoying but it must be
effective or why would it continue?
Most major manufacturers trying to sell their wares
have created iconic marketing phrases or jingles
that have become part of the fabric of our lives. We
remember these things. Complete these phrases: The
best part of waking up; Like a good neighbor;
Id like to teach the world to sing; I dont want
to grow up; Plop plop fizz fizz; I wish I was an
Oscar Mayer Weiner See what I mean?

Gratefully, Political campaigns long ago picked up on the

advantages of short, descriptive slogans: I Like Ike, Its
Danny Herron Morning Again in America, Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too,
Presid Executive Office Its the Economy, Stupid, Happy Days Are Here Again,
Habitat for Humanity Change We Can Believe In, All the Way With LBJ and
yes, Make America Great Again.

BUILD STARTS THIS WEEKEND!
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT:
www.woodmontchristian.org/habitat
Id like to offer a brief phrase for your consideration
at such a time as this; a time of division and strife; a
time of great change; a time when so many are angry
and afraid while others are confident we are on a right
road; a time of turmoil at every turn. Here it is:

COME BUILD A Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever

HOME
(Hebrews 13:8).

Hope We Can Believe In

Big Blessings,

FOR A DAY Thom

WERE HELPING BUILD A WCC BOOK CLUB

The March meeting of the WCC Book
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME ON Club will be Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30
in Room 107.
MARCH 4-5, 11-12,
Enter Build Dates Here Virginia Lewis will lead a discussion of
18-19, & 25-26 Uncommon Friends by James Newton.
Everyone is invited to attend.
OOD

AVE
OIN

pg 5
 This Sunday!
The Disciples Class, which prepares people
for baptism, starts this Sunday, March 5!
If youre the parent of a 5th grader, contact
Rev. Justin Gung at jgung@woodmontcc.org
ARE YOU UP TO DATE?
Church Life is our online member
directory and church app,
powered by ACS Access.
We are asking all members to login
to Church Life to make sure their
contact info is up-to-date!
Go to www.woodmontchristian.org
and click Member Login on the top.
pg 6
March Memory Verse:
Then the king will reply to
them, I assure you that when you
have done it for one of the least
of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you have done it for me.
- Matthew 25:40
Birthdays March 1-15
3/1 Luca Stephan
3/4 Sophie Steele
3/8 Kate Rose Organ
3/11 Naomi Infante
3/12 Ross McGuigan
3/12 Will Casey
Lets
Celebrate!
Woodmont Youth Ministrys beloved Katie is
about to welcome her first child. Katie and
her husband Kevin are expecting a little boy
mid-March. If you wish to send a gift, you
can find Katie & Kevin Gossage registered
at Amazon and Target. We rejoice with Katie
and her family in this special time.
 Next Weeks Calendar
Sunday, March 5 - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
8:15 a.m. Seekers Bible Study, Room 105
9:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary, Sun. School
9:45 a.m. Worship at The Bridge, Drowota Hall
11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary, Sun. School
6:15 p.m. Youth Group, Youth Wing
Monday, March 6
3:00 p.m. Geezers Mens Group, Boardroom
Tuesday, March 7
9:00 a.m. Womens Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone
9:45 a.m. Womens Bible Study, Room 200
10:00 a.m. CWF Board Meeting, Room 100
10:30 a.m. CWF Meeting with Dr. Ruth Garrett, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, Free pizza is now available for all
Room 105
11:00 a.m. CWF Luncheon, Drowota Hall
6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice, Choir Room
Wednesday, March 8
6:15 a.m. Mens Small Group, Room 100
7:00 a.m. Original Mens Bible Study, Room 105
7:00 a.m. Younger Mens Bible Study, Boardroom
5:30 p.m. Grace Notes Practice, Kids Commons
5:45 p.m. Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, D.H.
6:30 p.m. Choir Practice, Choir Room
6:30 p.m. Experiencing God Through be at 11:30 a.m. and the day will conclude around 3:30 p.m.
Contemplative Practices Week 1, Anne Sign up at www.woodmontchristian.org/habitat
& Roy Stauffer, Room 105
Upcoming Special Events
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, New Lent sermon series The Gospel of
Mark by Clay Stauffer at 9:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m. services.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2017 Baptism class begins. If youre
the parent of a 5th grader, email jgung@woodmontcc.org
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, Experiencing God Through
Contemplative Practices with Anne and Roy Stauffer begins
at 6:30 p.m. in Room 105. This class will focus on knowing
& experiencing God in your daily life vs. knowing about
God and Jesus. Sessions include exercises in contemplation
which open us to Gods presence in our lives.
children at our Wednesday Fellowship Dinners! Socialize &
relax with your church family at 5:45 PM in Drowota Hall.
MENU: Pork Tenderloin, Hash Brown Casserole, Green
Beans, Mixed Green Salad, & Fudge Cake with Ice Cream
RSVP at www.woodmontchristian.org/signup
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, Day 3 Habitat for Humanity
build in Antioch, TN! The day will start around 7:00 a.m.
with breakfast and work will begin around 7:30 a.m. Most
will work as teams on various tasks throughout the house.
Habitat will provide all the tools and knowledge. Lunch will

Thursday, March 9
10:00 a.m. Sit and Stitch, Gathering Hall
6:00 p.m. Youth Basketball Practice, Drowota Hall
Friday, March 10
5:00 p.m. Room In The Inn, South Hall
Saturday, March 11 at 5:45 PM. MENU: Chicken Pot Pie, Spicy Black Eye Peas,
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Habitat for Humanity Build, Day 3
Hallmark community in Antioch, TN
Sunday, March 12
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Habitat for Humanity Build, Day 4
Hallmark community in Antioch, T
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, Day 4 Habitat for Humanity build!
Sign up at www.woodmontchristian.org/habitat
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, NEW CLASS Lent and the
Christian Faith begins at 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, Wednesday Fellowship Dinner
Mixed Green Salad, Banana Pudding, & Cake.
RSVP at www.woodmontchristian.org/signup
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, Experiencing God Through
Contemplative Practices Week 2 with Anne and Roy Stauffer
at 6:30 p.m. in Room 105.

pg 7
 TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 11 AM
Renowned gerontologist Dr. Ruth Garrett will present her strategies for preserving
and revving up the Aging Brain. Woodmonts Christian Womens Fellowship is
fortunate to have Dr. Garrett bring her years of experience and research to our
regular monthly meeting. Come learn how the aging brain is unique, plastic and can
operate at top capacity longer than formerly thought possible. CWF meets at 11 am
MA R CH in Room 105, followed by lunch. All women and men of the church are welcome.
Please make lunch reservations before Friday, March 3.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY:

SYMPATHY TO:
Family and friends of Liz Ramsey and
Joann Daugherty, whose brother,
Goodloe Chaffin, passed away. The
funeral was Feb. 24.
Family and friends of Carol Parsons, who
passed away February 20th. The funeral
was Feb. 25.
IN THE HOSPITAL:
Kay Butterworth, Richland Place
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Camille Gift
Savannah Cooper
George Shreeve
Nick Diamond, Metro police officer and
drummer for The Bridge. Please keep
Nick, his wife, Nicole, and their two
children in your prayers.
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Vicki Phillips
Anne Stauffer
Donnie Creighton Norman
The Cooper Family lost their home to a
fire on December 21st. An online recovery
fund has been set up for those who feel
led to help: www.crowdrise.com/coopers-
recovery-fund.
Al & Pam Richardson
Ed Kelly
Lee Ann Hawkins
Beverly Small
Gus Stranch, son of Gerard & Patty
Stranch
Joyce Stanley, Jan Andersons sister
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Clay Perry, son of Diane & Tim Perry,
grandson of Betty & Bill Johnson, Seattle
Ben Cherry
THIS WEEK, THE ELDERS OF
WOODMONT ASK YOU TO
JOIN THEM IN PRAYER FOR:
Weather related injuresre and deaths.
Prepare our hearts for the Lenten Season.
The nominating committee as they work to
choose the leaders in our congregation.
Healing for the great division in our country.
Our Habitat build and our Habitat Family,
Asad Mohamed & Asma Abood.

March 5, 2017 Elders and Deacons Serving

By Our Presence and Our Gifts
Deacons Serving Elders Serving
Date Sun. School Total Atd. Operating Communion Prep: Benson Hadey 9:30 a.m.
February 5 347 898 $46,628 Service Coordinator: 9:30 - David Todd Sandy Smith
February 12 417 911 $60,906 9: 45 - Jerry Johnson 11:00 -Laurie Hester Martha Galyon
February 19 364 877 $49,184 Video Camera: 9:30 - Don Rollins 9:45 a.m.
February 26 367 883 $26,390 Fran Stewart
11:00 - Jim Hester
Worship Services March 5, 2017 9:30 a.m. 9:45. a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Seth Joyner Chip Hooper Patricia Taylor Marcus Crider
John Weldon Sara Kate Hooper Marty Jordan John Hobby
9:30, 9:45, & 11:00 A.M. WORSHIP Sonny Berry Heather Douglas Phil Schmutz
Lent Series: The Gospel of Mark Laura Beth Brown Shane Douglas Jeremiah Pyron Hospital -
Week 1: Follow Me Mike McConnell Don Rollins
John Hobby
Clay Stauffer Shepley Smith Kirtley Whittington
Mark 1:9-20 Mike Jobe Jim Batson
Nick Forlidas

NEW CLASS: LENT AND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Learn more about the history of Lent, the celebration of Easter, who God is, and what God is calling us to in the
world. On Wednesday evenings, starting March 15th, we will be tackling the building blocks of Lent and the
foundation of Christian practice and belief. Well build off the Lenten Devotionals being offered via daily emails
and explore topics like, What is Lent? Who is God? What does Jesus teach? Understand your faith more deeply,
and expand your experience of this sacred time before Easter