WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH NOVEMBER 21, 2017

WELCOME New MemberS!

David and Jane Cass and Ray Meeks Bryan and Ehren Green Daniel and Katie Beckman
McCracken November 19, 2017 with Henry and Nathan with Louise and Meriwether
November 19, 2017 November 12, 2017 November 12, 2017

Woodmont Christian Church 615.297.8563 www.woodmontchristian.org 3601 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37215
 Help tell the Christmas story!
Volunteer for Walk Thru Bethlehem
Signups have been opened and are available now! Volunteer for costumed,
non-costumed, and setup roles!

You may volunteer and signup for a shift by visiting OUR MIS SION:
http://walk-thru-bethlehem.com/index.php/signups/ Growing disciples of Christ by seeking God,
or by visiting the Walk Thru Bethlehem table in the Gathering Hall on sharing love, and serving others
Sundays to discuss available roles and get signed up.

The Walk Thru Bethlehem leaders will be available in the Gathering Hall
between services (10:30 AM - 11:00 PM) each Sunday through December 3. OUR CORE VA LUES:
We hope you will consider volunteering! Welcoming
Outstanding Worship
Outreach
Costume Checkout Different Traditions
Costume check out with be on the top floor of the mansion on: Mission & Ministry
Sunday, Nov. 26 from 9 am to 12 pm
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9 am to 12 pm On The Move
Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 5 pm to 7 pm Nurturing
Transforming

Provide Meals for Walk Thru Bethlehem setup & teardown

If you are interested in providing a lunch or dinner (for up to 25 people)
during Walk Thru Bethlehem set-up and tear down (Dec. 4-8, 11-12) or
providing individually wrapped snack, please contact Pam Hardin @ 615-
641-2287 or pamhardin92@gmail.com to see about availability.
WOODMONTS MINISTERIAL STAFF
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Rev. Justin Gung Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Rev. Chris Cox Minister of Youth & Their Families
Dr. Donovan McAbee Minister of Spiritual Formation
Farrell Mason Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care

WOODMONTS PROGRAM STAFF

Thom Schuyler Young Adults, Missions & Outreach Director
Katie Sheridan-Gossage Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Abby McLean Childrens Ministry Director
Michael Graham Music Ministry Director
Andra Moran Creative Director, The Bridge
Stephen Daniel King Worship Leader, The Bridge

WOODMONTS SUPPORT STAFF

Chris Beck Business Administrator
Mandy Barton Brown Executive Assistant
Martha Duff Preschool Director
Sam Marsh Property & Facilities Manager
Jan Anderson Administrative Assistant
Anne-Marie Farmer Small Groups & Connections Director
Room In The Inn Needs overnight hosts Matt Diffenderfer Communications Director
Woodmonts Room In The Inn has the need for overnight host to be filled during
the next few weeks:

December 8th - 1st Overnight Host that can drive bus to pick and return guests

December 15th - 1st Overnight Host that can drive bus to pick and return guests For the most up-to-date information, download
2nd Overnight Host to assist Woodmonts Realm church directory app.
Search for Realm Connect in iTunes & Google Play.
December 22nd - 1st Overnight Host that can drive bus to pick and return guests
2nd Overnight Host to assist Woodmont Christian Church
3601 Hillsboro Pike
You can either sign up online at woodmontchristian.org/riti or Nashville, Tennessee 37215
contact Deb LaForge at divegirldj@yahoo.com or 615-496-8183 with 615.297.8563
questions or to get signed up.
www.woodmontchristian.org
pg 2
 Honoring Thom Schuyler!
by Clay Stauffer
At the end of December, Thom Schuyler will be retiring from his position here at
Woodmont and moving to Jekyll Island, GA. It will be very hard to imagine Woodmont
Christian Church without Thom around. He has been a leader in this congregation for
many years, first as a lay leader and then as a dedicated member of our staff team.
Thom was born and raised in Bethlehem, PA. He developed an affinity for music at a young
age and clearly had a gift for writing songs. He says it was Old Baptist hymns, a transistor radio,
an upright piano, and a guitar from Sears that that helped pave the way in the early years.
Thom first lived in New York City where he would write songs and play at various venues. One day, he woke up and
knew that he couldnt live in New York City anymore. Nashville had never crossed his mind. He knew people were
paid to write songs here, so he thought, why not give it a go?
On January 3, 1978, he and Sarah moved to Nashville on a whim. He didnt have a car at the time so with $200
dollars and a guitar, he bought a one-way plane ticket to Music City. He and Sarah were married September 2nd of
that same year.
Moving to Nashville turned out to be a very wise move and he built a life here. Thom has recorded numerous songs
over the years that have climbed the country charts, including seven that made it to number 1, including: Love Will
Turn You Around (Kenny Rogers), I Dont Know Where to Start (Eddie Rabbitt), Years After You (John Conlee), I
Fell in Love Again Last Night (The Forester Sisters), A Long Line of Love (Michael Martin Murphey), Point of Light
(Randy Travis), and Love Out Loud (Earl Thomas Conley).
Thom and Sarah were blessed with three great children: Tallu was born in 1979, Roy in 1981, and Luke in 1988. If you
know the Schuyler family, then you know how close they are and how they make each other a priority. Thom loves
his family dearly.
In addition to writing songs, Thom accepted the position of CEO at the Nashville office of RCA in the early 90s where
he signed artists like Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Lonestar, and Sara Evans, among others. He has been a
trusted pillar in the ever changing music industry. Just a few years ago, Thom was inducted in the Songwriters Hall
of Fame here in Nashville.
Throughout his entire career, Thoms faith has remained at the center, and Woodmont has played a central role in
that. He loves the people, the denominational mix, the chance to be genuinely real, and the musical talent. He has
told me that he is going to miss the community, the close friendships, working with the staff, and many other things.
There will be a reception in the Gathering Hall on December 17th at 10:30 a.m. to honor Thom. But THIS SUNDAY,
November 26th, he is going to share some of the songs that he has written over the years at Woodmont at
all three services in what we are calling Release Your Song: A Tribute to the Career of Thom Schuyler.
We give thanks for Thom and all he means to this church his commitment, his intellect, his service, and his
dedication. He has mentored so many of our young people over the years and sent them off to college with a
song on their heart. In the coming days and weeks, lets all let Thom know how much he means to the Woodmont
community!

A young Thom Schuyler performing Thom and former members of Woodmonts youth choir Thom sharing his love of music with
at The Bluebird Cafe. at a recent reunion. Thom served as Woodmonts youth grandson Robert Thomas Quinn,
choir director for 25 years (1983-2008). son of Tallu and Robbie Quinn.
pg 3
 Advent Schedule
Advent Sermon Series: All I Want for Christmas
First Sunday: Hope
December 3, 2017
9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6 & Romans 5:1-5
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching
Hanging of the Greens, 5:00 p.m.
The Tasting Party, 5:45 p.m.
Second Sunday: Peace
December 10, 2017
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Walk Thru Bethlehem Sunday
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-6 & Matthew 2:1-12
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching
Vesper Services at 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
Hosted by The Bridge Worship Team
in The Sanctuary.
Third Sunday: Joy
December 17, 2017
9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Chancel Choir Special Music at 11:00 a.m.
Scripture: Micah 4:1-4 Luke 2:1-20
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching
Fourth Sunday: Love
December 24, 2017
Christmas Eve
10:00 a.m. Morning Service (no 9:30, 9:45, or 11:00)
Scripture: John 1:1-14 I John 4:7-12
Dr. Clay Stauffer, preaching
4:00 p.m. Early Evening Family Service
Carols, Scripture, & The Christmas Story
Music by Abby McLean, Jamie Huling, & Michael Graham
Children traditionally bring a can of food to donate as their gift to baby Jesus
5:00 p.m. Early Evening Family Service
Carols, Scripture, & The Christmas Story
Music by Grace Notes, Catie & Jeremy Pratt, and Michael Graham
Children traditionally bring a can of food to donate as their gift to baby Jesus
7:00 p.m. Evening Candlelight & Communion Service
Candlelight, Communion, & Lessons and Carols
Music by the Norris Twins, Gary Musick, Lisa Musick,
Brooke Huffman,and Russell Davis
11:00 p.m. Late Evening Candlelight & Communion Service
Candlelight, Communion, & Lessons and Carols
Music by the Chancel Choir,
Catie Pratt, and Cathy Anne Graham
pg 4
 Positive or Negative,
Grumpy or Grateful
by Roy Stauffer
In a Peanuts comic strip, Lucy is
down in the dumps and says to November 16-30th Birthdays:
Linus, My life is a drag. Ive never Cristian Stephan 11/17
been so low in all my life. Linus, the Mae Mae Galyon 11/18
great spirit, tries to cheer her up by Bond Piercy 11/20
saying, When youre in a mood like this James Johnson 11/20
you should think of the things you have to be Cash Bugg 11/21
thankful for. Count your blessings. Lucy replies, Thats a Mimi Steele 11/21
good one. What do I have to be thankful for? Well, for one Molly Kate Orr 11/21
thing, Linus says, you have a brother who loves you! Lucy Lucy Bea Presley 11/23
responds, Sometimes, you say just the right thing. Liza Hadley 11/23
How true this is. When we choose to think positive thoughts Warner Leach 11/24
and appreciate all that is so good in our lives, it immediately Annie Everett 11/27
helps us to overcome the blues of negative thinking. But, do Walt Moore 11/28
Christians need a day each year to remind us to be thankful? Will Rudolph 11/30
I hope not. Our faith teaches us to be thankful all the time.
Give thanks in all things. I Thessalonians 5:18 (Note: It Hanging of the Greens
doesnt say give thanks for all things, but give thanks in all
things.) Like Lucy, no matter what our mood might be, or Both Cherub Choir (3 yrs-
what our troubles are in life, there are always more things for Kindergarten) and Childrens Choir
which we can give thanks if we so choose. (1st-4th grade) will sing at Hanging
of the Greens on Sunday December
Recently the Bridge worship service passed out little 3rd. Please have your children
notebooks in which everyone was encouraged to list each day downstairs by 4:30 to warm up as
three things that youre thankful for. What a mood modifier they both sing at the beginning of
that would be if we began each day in that way. Thinking of the service and need to be upstairs
three things we are thankful for would certainly start our day early. These choirs rehearse every
off on a positive footing. Sunday morning with Abby McLean
It reminds me of a telephone survey of over one thousand and Catie Pratt so if you have been
randomly selected Americans the Gallup Poll asked to name attending church, they have been
two or three things for which they were most thankful. Here practicing and are ready to perform!
were a few of the results:
Most important at 61% was family. Volunteers wanted!
Second most important at 50% was health. We are always looking for new
Third at 21% was job or career. volunteers to be downstairs with our
Fourth at 20% was children. children on Sunday mornings. If you
Just being alive was fifth at 12%.
have any questions or desire to work
Some of the responses varied among age and demographic with children from 18 months-4th
groups. Older Americans emphasized health while their grade, please email abby@woodmontcc.org.
younger counterparts emphasized job and career. Ethnic Wed love to have you!!
minorities and the poor were more likely to be thankful for
just being alive. Signup Genius links coming
There was one answer to the survey, however, that was Please be on the lookout for a sign up
surprising in its low frequency in all demographic groups. genius for your child(ren)s class to
Only 5% to 8% of any group included Godas one of the three volunteer for the months of December
things for which they were most thankful. How would you and January! If you have not received
have answered? it and would like to, please email
abby@woodmontcc.org.
Let us not become so thankful for the blessings we have
that we forget the source of all that is good. Lets not focus
so much on the creation that we lose sight of the Creator.
(Romans 1:25) Only when God is at the top of our list can we
truly be thankful for the rest of the list.
Its always your choice positive or negative, grateful or
grumpy. Its amazing what thanksgiving does for your spirit.
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Roy Grace Notes performed Let the Vineyards be Fruitful Nov. 19

pg 5
 Simplicity
by Michael Graham
It was not composed by Andrew Lloyd
Webber or Gustav Mahler. The poem
was not written by Tim Rice or Stephen
Sondheim. The creators were never a
household name. The words are pretty
simple and the music only boasts six different
notes and five chords, yet the message, found
in the two-word title joined by a conjunction,
gives the secret to maintaining a successful relationship with the
Lord of heaven as well as healthy relationships with all.
The hymn is Trust and Obey. An elderly man in my home church
once told me, Michael, these two words, if heeded, will get you
through anything in life. Although I have not always followed this
advice, I have found that when I do, I have fellowship with God,
with others and peace in my heart. If you are trusting and obeying
God, you know what Im talking about. If you are not, you should
give it a try. Less is sometimes more.
Next Weeks Calendar
Sunday, November 26
Release Your Song: A Tribute to the Career of
Thom Schuyler - 9:30, 9:45, and 11:00 AM
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
11:00 a.m. Bridge Brunch, Drowota Hall
5:00 p.m. Jubilation Youth Choir, Youth Wing
5:45 p.m. Youth Group, Youth Wing
Monday, November 27
10:00 a.m. The Baby Bunch, Puppies Room
3:00 p.m. Geezers Mens Bible Study, Boardroom
Tuesday, November 28
7:00 a.m. Centering Prayer Group, Room 100
9:00 a.m. Womens Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone
12:00 p.m. GEMS November Luncheon, Room 105
6:00 p.m. Handbells Rehearsal, Choir Room

November GEMS to feature mystery speaker!

Wednesday, November 29
Mystery speaker and topic -- dazzling 6:15 a.m. Mens Small Group, Room 100
images and exotic music! You wont want 7:00 a.m. Original Mens Bible Study, Room 105
to miss this showcase that is sure to 7:00 a.m. Younger Mens Bible Study, Boardroom
captivate and amaze you! 5:30 p.m. Grace Notes practice, Kids Commons
6:15 p.m. DivorceCare, The Bay Room
6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
We gather at noon for a buffet lunch
6:30 p.m. Waiting in Hope, Room 100
catered by Barley to Rise.

Menu: Roasted Root Vegetable Salad, Thursday, November 30

Baked Ham, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, 6:00 p.m. Youth Girls Basketball Practice, D.H.
Bourbon Glazed Carrots, Chocolate Pie 7:00 p.m. Youth Boys Basketball Practice, D.H.

Cost is $10. Reservation required by Wednesday, November 22. Reserve

online or through the church office. Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2
Room In The Inn, South Hall

Beautiful, unique
ornaments from Africa
available in our bookstore
Woodmonts bookstore is continuing to
sell Christmas ornaments to support the
172 children that live on Project Canaan.

The proceeds from 26 ornaments

provide care for an entire month for a
child! Each ornament takes about four
hours to make and sells for a donation to
Heart for Africa of $12.

How many children would you like to

support this holiday season?

If you are interested in helping this

ministry, contact Mary Welsh Owen
mwowen1123@gmail.com
 Quick Financial Summary - July to October 2017

July, 2017 - October, 2017 2017/2018

Actual Budget Budget/Actual Annual Budget
Receipts and Revenues
Pledges--Current Year $ 585,628.22 $ 714,884.00 $ (129,255.78) $ 2,457,415.00
Non-Pledges 117,688.57 79,530.00 38,158.57 273,385.00
Other Receipts and Revenues 41,970.02 13,300.00 28,670.02 31,700.00
Total Receipts and Revenues 745,286.81 807,714.00 (62,427.19) 2,762,500.00

Expenditures & Disbursements

(C)ONNECT 62,996.36 64,626.00 1,629.64 285,925.00
(R)ESOURCE 773,481.86 751,208.00 (22,273.86) 2,242,275.00
(E)QUIP 53,920.06 51,763.00 (2,157.06) 132,050.00
(W)ORSHIP 24,207.43 28,384.00 4,176.57 102,250.00
Total Expenditures & Disbursements 914,605.71 895,981.00 (18,624.71) 2,762,500.00

Net Surplus/(Deficit) $ (169,318.90) $ (88,267.00) $ (81,051.90) $ -

* Note: Year-to-date pledge income does not include $134,669.68 of pre-paid pledges.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY:

ELDERS & DEACONS SERVING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26
9:30 AM - Informal Sanctuary Worship
Service Coordinator - William Liles
Welcome Center - Pam Groom
So. Ent. Greeter/Offering - Marcie Anderson
Greeter/Offering - Jim Batson
Greeter/Offering - Sonny Berry
Greeter/Offering - Sara Anne Quinn
Usher/Cleanup - Stephanie Bowman
Usher/Cleanup - Gavin Duke
Usher/Cleanup - Todd Bowman
Usher/Cleanup - Laura Stephan
Bread - Liz Smith
Cup - Pam Richardson
9:45 AM - The Bridge Worship
Service Coordinator - John Steele
Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Anne Arney
Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Jody Cummings
Greet/Serve/Clean Up - Mari-Kate Hopper
BY YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR GIFTS:
SUNDAY
DATE: SCHOOL:
OCTOBER 29 341
NOVEMBER 5 351
NOVEMBER 12 384
NOVEMBER 19 381
OUR ELDERS ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR:
Safe travels to all this Thanksgiving.
Thanks for all the blessings God has given us.
The people shot and killed or injured in Northern California.
Greet/So Entrance/Serve - Eric Milam
Bread/Cup: Fran Stewart
11 AM - Traditional Sanctuary Worship
Service Coordinator - Jeremiah Pyron
Welcome Center - Christie Harrison
So. Entrance Usher/Offering -
Greeter/Offering - Sandy Dickerson
Greeter/Offering - Emily Carpenter
Greeter/Offering - Gavin Duke
Usher/Cleanup - Becca Robinson
Usher/Cleanup - Mike Robinson
Usher/Cleanup - Ray Dickerson
Cleanup/Flowers - Phillip Harrison
Bread - Mark Christofersen
Cup - Jade Forlidas
Communion Preparation: Christy Crider
Hospital: Pam Richardson
TOTAL
ATTENDANCE: OPERATING:
822 $45,445
803 $33,197
861 $85,288
868 $45,699
Those who died and were injured in the earthquake on the Iraq-Iran border.
The people killed and injured in the church shooting in Texas.
Those who are still in desperate need in Puerto Rico from the hurricane.
pg 7
SYMPATHY TO:
The family and friends of Lou Todd, who passed
away November 21. Services will be scheduled
next week after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Trey Flowers on the death of his mother.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
John and Margaret Thompson on the birth of
their daughter, Mary Caroline Thompson.
NEW CONCERNS:
Becky and Michael Millers son, Michael.
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Ben and Gayle Cherry
Mary Hofwolt
Nancy Hooper
Renee Lewis
JoAnn Patterson
Nanette Mathe in Murfreesboro
Susan McDowell, at home
Vicki Phillips
Christine Reed
Al Richardson, Belmont Village
Robbie Richardson, Woodcrest
Wilbur Sensing
Lou Todd with Alive Hospice now
FAMILY OF MEMBERS - CONCERNS:
Donna Clegg, step-grandmother of
Anne-Marie Farmer & Patty Stranch.
Gary Jones, Pam Grooms father, at home.
John DeVoe, Elisa Clarks father.
Bill Daniel, Lisa Rollins father in WI.
Andra Morans mother, Ruth Ann Moran, CA.
US Postage Paid

Permit No.1204

New Elder & Deacon Chairs

Nonprofit Org.

Nashville, TN

Walk Thru
Bethlehem
Join us for Walk Thru Bethlehem!
Signups have been opened and are available now.
Volunteer for costumed, non-costumed, and setup roles!
You may volunteer and signup for a shift by visiting
http://walk-thru-bethlehem.com/index.php/signups/
or by visiting the Walk Thru Bethlehem table in the Gathering
Hall on Sundays to discuss available roles and get signed up.
The Walk Thru Bethlehem leaders will be available in the
Gathering Hall between services (10:30 AM - 11:00 PM) each
Sunday through December 3.
We hope you will consider volunteering!
WALK THRU BETHLEHEM COSTUME CHECKOUT HAS BEGUN!
Costume check out will be on the top floor of the mansion on:
Sunday, Nov. 26 from 9 am to 12 pm
Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9 am to 12 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 5 pm to 7 pm