THE

Volume 41, Issue 31

A Beacon and A Bridge

SPIRE
August 5, 2013

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

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

Get to know other people from The Bridge over a free dinner!

Congratulations to Kristen Newman, who was baptized at The Bridge on Sunday, August 4th!

LeadershipBreakfast
Saturday,August24that9:00a.m.inDrowotaHall

JoinusforGuestSpeaker,Dr.DonovanMcAbee!
Dr.McAbeewillspeakonTryingNottoFailCollegeStudents (ButInsteadPrepareThemforLife)

ForallBoardmembers,Elders,CREWDirectors,Deacons&Spouses

woodmontchristian.org

(seemoredetailsonpage5)

The Kingdom of God, Part 2: Home by Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Recently, I surprised a church member with a knock on her door. After kindly sitting me at her kitchen table, I asked her: "How do you feel?" She began to tell me about the round of chemotherapy that she had just endured-the first of six prescribed for her. "I feel very tired," she said, among other things. Again, I asked her how she felt. But this was different from the previous question. I was not asking her how she felt physically, but how she felt about her circumstances. Diagnosed with cancer, she carried several tumors in her body and faced who-knows-what in the days ahead. "Well, I think it's a win-win situation," she said. I turned my ear toward her. I asked her to speak up. I wasn't sure that I had heard her correctly. "I think it's a win-win situation," she repeated. My interest was piqued. "What do you mean?" This church member proceeded to say that she had a wonderful life that she'd be happy to keep. But she very quickly added that, if she died, she'd get to go to Heaven and be with Christ face to face. "I could be here for months, years, or more. Who knows?" she said. "But when I die, I'll be with Jesus, and I have a very close relationship with him." I was astounded. Her profound love for Christ had knocked the stuffing right out of death. Death was toothless to her! For Paul, it's not a choice between life and death. It's a choice between life and life-life on this side of the grave or life on the other. He'll live here or he'll live there; either way, he knows that he's going to live! Nothing can really kill him because he's securely in Christ, who says, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). I recently read a blog from a twenty-five year-old Christian. With the best of life still in front of her, she writes: This world is not my home. Despite the many things that bring me satisfaction, my soul will never truly find rest until I am home with Him Don't get me wrong, I love and cherish this life on this side of Heaven, but I can sense a deeper longing for Him that cannot be satisfied until I'm with Him face to face in His sweet presence.

Recently, my belief in this was put to the test, for a dear friend of mine passed away. Susan and I knew each other for years. I officiated her daughter's wedding and baptized her grandson. Susan made every room she entered better simply by her presence. When I learned of her death, I cried and cursed. In the midst of my sorrow, the only thoughts that gave me comfort were: "Susan is no longer suffering. She's received complete This church member's bold faith made me think of the apostle healing for body and soul in Heaven. There she and I will meet Paul. Last month, we looked at his letter to the Philippians. again. Between the two of us, 'goodbye' means nothing, for one You'll recall that he wrote this letter in prison while facing day we'll be reunited in Heaven, our eternal home." the possibility of death at the hands of Emperor Nero. (That possibility eventually became a reality.) What does Paul say How can one not marvel at what Christ has done? Death was before this frightening specter? "Now as always," he declares, once a ravenous lion that spared no one. But Christ faced it "Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. and tamed it, so now it's just a purring kitten. Once upon a time, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on the pathway of each person's life ran into a wall and stopped living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet forever. But Christ has turned that impenetrable wall into a what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two. lovely door-the entryway to our eternal home! Why fear crossing I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" the threshold? (1:20-23). Astounding! Paul doesn't know if he'll be allowed to live or sentenced to die, yet he seems not to care. He expresses remarkable ambivalence. The former would allow him to carry on a very fruitful earthly ministry. The latter would mean finally reaching heaven and receiving eternal joy and rest in the presence of the Lord. Paul can hardly decide! ("Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!") Yet no matter what happens, he's determined to glorify the Lord. ("Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.") Friends, do we not get the sense that Paul's home-his real, true, and permanent home-is not in this world, but another? Heaven is home-for the church member that I visited, for the apostle Paul, for my friend Susan, and for all who are in Christ. "In my Father's house are many rooms," Christ says. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2-3). Oh, what a promise! Praise God for this inexpressible gift!

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 2013

Forever Changed by Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director

Robbie and I recently went through the loss of a miscarriage. No matter how common people tell you a miscarriage is, the feelings of grief and sadness when it's happening and then after are devastating. For those who have also been through this or another kind of loss that is private, difficult to understand or accept, I wanted to share a poem I just read the other night before bed from one of Mary Oliver's newer books of poetry called Evidence. This one's called "Swans." They appeared over the dunes, they skimmed the trees and hurried on to the sea or some lonely pond or wherever it is that swans go, urgent, immaculate, the heat of their eyes staring down and then away, the thick spans of their wings as bright as snow, their shoulder power echoing inside my own body. How could I help but adore them? How could I help but wish that one of them might drop a white feather that I should have something in my hand to tell me that they were real? Of course this was foolish. What we love, shapely and pure, is not to be held, but to be believed in. And then they vanished, into the unreachable distance. This baby would have been born in early March, so we planted a forsythiathat friendly yellow bloom that is the first to blaze in springto honor the memory of this life that was and never was. However painful our losses, life moves along. We get through them with the love and mercy and grace of God. And we heal and start to feel like ourselves againlike ourselves again, but forever changed. God's grace and peace and love to you this week,

Music, What Else? by Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry

I must say it feels a little strange to be writing this article on the first of August, knowing that students are heading back to public schools today. I can remember when our church program start time and back to school were almost the same. The one thing we can count on is change, right? welcome Catie Pratt to this exciting position and look forward to her work with our Woodmont children.

Handbells are about to ring in their new year with rehearsals beginning in the middle of August. If you are interested in playing with this wonderful group (Kathy Hart makes every rehearsal a special occasion) or would consider being an occasional sub, please contact Kathy at castonhart@comcast.net. Speaking of change, Catie Pratt has been selected to be our She will be glad to welcome you into the handbell fellowship. Children Choir Director. Catie, our soprano soloist in the Our Chancel Choir will begin our new season on Wednesday, Chancel Choir, has a Bachelors in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Ohio Northern University where she logged September 4 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to join us, please 300 hours of clinical/field experience. Catie has been a section contact me at k12tn@comcast.net. You do not have to commit to leader/soloist for years in the Nashville Symphony Chorus and endless years of rehearsals and Sundays. We welcome singers has coordinated our VBS for several years, working closely with for seasonal windows and are flexible with those whose schedules require occasional Sunday morning absences. Bottom our Woodmont children. line- we'll treat you so many ways, you're bound to like one of Catie will continue to lead music in the Sunday School hour, 'em. Keep the change- see you at church. but will have a separate day and time with a 30-minute rehearsal for those wishing to learn more about singing and music in a separate setting. Clay, Justin, Catie and I are working on that date/time and Catie will announce it soon in the Spire. We

Sunday School August 11th

Walk Thru Bethlehem Costume Search

Do you still have a costume from Walk Thru Bethlehem 2012? We are looking for you! Please return it by this Friday, August 9th to the church office. You may request to have it held for you in the costume room to use during WTB 2013 by emailing Jan Anderson at standerson45@comcast.net or Beth Sowell at bethsowell@comcast.net. All costumes must be returned for inventory purposes. Let's mark all names off the costume returned list this year. Thank you!

9:30 a.m.
Disciples Class (105) - Led by Guest Teacher, Pete Kyne "Book of Acts: Chapter 7" Challenge Class (200) - Led by Susan Hammonds-White "Caring Conflict Resolution: Rediscovering Values" Young Adult Class (Boardroom) - Led by Rob Quinn "Micah" Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (The Bay) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer "Renewing Your Spirit - Setting Your Boundaries in Our Digital Society"

11:00 a.m.
Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (The Bay) (Open to Men Also) Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer Reflections Class (200) - Led by Guest Teacher, Marcella Derryberry Points of View (105) - Led by Ralph Parsons and Doug King "Sermon Discussions" College & University-Aged Young Adults (107) Led by Allen McDonald

WCC Birthday Sunday Celebration DVDs

Alan Nelson has created a great 2-disc video set of Birthday Sunday activities. The set includes footage of all musical performances, Mayor Dean's remarks and the cake-cutting and the 33-minute historical video. Copies of these discs may be purchased by calling the church office at 297-8563. Cost is $6 per set.

Youth Wing Renovation Meeting

Calling all youth, parents, architects, designers, and creative people! The Youth Visioning Committee is in the initial stages of developing a plan to update and renovate our youth wing. Some of the initial ideas have included:

An enlarged space for a youth lounge, worship space, and dining hall Dedicated discussion room for Chi-Rho An entrance and design theme to designate the youth wing past the boardroom New furniture, lighting, games, and coffee/smoothie bar Incorporation of technology for lessons, movie nights, etc.

We would love to hear hopes, dreams, and ideas for the youth area. If you have an interest in joining the design team, please join us for the Youth Wing Renovation Meeting on Wednesday night, August 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the church boardroom.

Do You Enjoy Sewing?

If so, we can use your help! We still have some bags of Walk Thru Bethlehem adult costumes that need to be sewn. Each bag contains fabric for one gown with instructions on how to make the gown. Just come by the church office (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) to pick up as many bags as you like and return the costumes back to the office when finished. For further information, please contact Beth Sowell at 512-2242. Thanks so much!

IwanttothanksomanyofmyWoodmontfamilyfortheircalls,cards,emails, texts,andofcoursetheirprayers.MyinjuriesarehealingwellandIamquickly returningtomynormalactivities.Thankyoutoalltheministersandstafffor theirconcernandprayersaswell. DennisBeck

WoodmontChristianChurch, Thankstoallfortheprayers,cards,callsandbeautifulflowersduringmyillness.WoodmontChristianisawonderfulplace tobeapartof.Ilovethepeople.Everyoneissothoughtfulandwonderful. Thankstoall, BettyBrent

LeadershipBreakfast
Saturday,August24th 9:00a.m.DrowotaHall

JoinusforGuestSpeaker,Dr.DonovanMcAbee! Dr.McAbeewillspeakonTryingNottoFailCollege Students(ButInsteadPrepareThemforLife)

Medical Equipment Room Reminder

Please remember that WCC has a Medical Equipment Room. It contains wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, motorized scooter, bedside commodes and much more. If you have a need for any of this equipment, please contact Honey Hetzel at 615-351-2380 or Ellen Dillon at 615-297-7689. Also, please remember that we will accept donations of gently used and clean equipment.

ForallBoardmembers,Elders,CREWDirectors, DeaconsandSpouses
Reservationsrequested.PleaseRSVPtothe churchofficeat2978563oremailRebecca Vaughanatrvaughan@woodmontcc.org SuggestedDonation$10 Childcareprovidedbyrequest.

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).

The deadline for articles and announcements to go in The Spire is Friday by Noon. Please send submissions to Kim Adair at kadair@woodmontcc.org. Thanks!

THIS WEEK AT WCC: Sunday, August 11 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 6:30 p.m. - After The Bridge Soup Dinner

Pajamas + Pancakes = FUN!!!

Join us for Pancakes and Pajamas Sunday on September 8th!

Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, August 7 6:15 a.m. Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry (100, 107 & Library) Thursday, August 8 Library Workday 10:00 a.m. Sit & Stitch Group (GH) 7:00 p.m. Restore Classes (200 & Youth Rooms) Sunday, August 11 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 Service (DH) 6:30 p.m. After The Bridge Soup Dinner (DH) Monday, August 12 4:00 p.m. "The Geezers" Men's Group (BR) 6:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Meeting (BR) Tuesday, August 13 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (CS) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (234) 6:30 p.m. Young Adults (Off-Campus)

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: A safe and successful school year for all students and teachers Members who are sick or hurting that they may find peace and healing Homebound and new members to feel included in the Woodmont family All members to deepen our prayer life so that we learn to listen and discern God's voice and yield to His will

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

IN THE HOSPITAL: Robert Mathews, St. Thomas Mary Lou Thomas, mother of Lynn McDonald, Centennial Cindy McQueeney, sister of Deb LaForge, Seattle, WA NEW CONCERN: Sallye Galloway CONTINUING CONCERNS: Emily Duncan Penny Stelling Gary Thompson Yot Williams Peggy Johnson Jeannette Miller, Claiborne-Hughes Health Center Earl Thomas, step-father of Lynn McDonald Bill Kelly, friend of Moulton Farrar Earl Milroy, brother-in-law of LuAnn & Mike Brent, Pine Bluff, AR Jo Helen Railsback, friend of B. James Lowry William Daniel, father of Lisa Rollins, Wisconsin Barb Vial, sister of Beth Sowell, Colorado Catherine Pease, mother of Mary Welsh Owen, Georgetown, IN Ty Coppinger, father of Shawn Haile SYMPATHY TO: Nick and Jade Forlidas on the loss of Jade's mother, Patty VanMeter, who passed away on Friday, August 2. Services will be held in Oklahoma. CONGRATULATIONS TO: Monte and Erin Good on the birth of their daughter, Ruby Grace Good, who was born on Tuesday, July 30. GIVE THANKS: Betty Brent Dennis Beck Pat Brown, mother of Christy Brown, McMinnville, TN MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Wade Gossett, brother of Becca Gossett 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
*Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns will

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.

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.*

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 GIFTS
Date July 14 July 21 July 28 August 4 Sunday School 256 237 237 267 Total Atd. 683 775 643 697 Operating $ 22,440 $ 46,104 $ 19,909 $ 21,762

DEACON SCHEDULE
August 11, 2013
Communion Prep: Service Coordinator: Video Camera: Cathy Williams 9:30 - TBA 11:00 - Don Mitchell 9:30 - Grant Smothers 11:00 - Paul Hardin 5:45 p.m. Jay Everett David Stewart Tami Buchanan Virginia Dinker Zsa Rockey Rebecca Everett

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

August 11, 2013

WORSHIP SERVICES: August 11, 2013 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m Rev. Clay Stauffer, preaching Why Jesus? Sermon Series: "We Worry Too Much!" Scripture: Luke 12:22-31 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Trey Flowers, preaching Share the Well Sermon Series: "Share the Well" Scripture: John 4:7-10 Weekly Prayer Partner Iglesia Cristiana Discipulos de Cristo, Nashville, TN

9:30 a.m. David Reynolds Chris Smith Kasey Clymer Mark Clymer Hope Walker Betty McHugh Milly Moore L.A. Galyon

11:00 a.m. Jeremiah Pyron Deb LaForge Roy Jordan Sandra Kyne Pam Hardin Bob Garrard Selena Guilfoy

9:30 a.m. Hal Tevebaugh and Richmond Williams 11:00 a.m. Gene Regen and Alan Sowell 5:45 p.m. Bryan Sargent

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