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Articles: Dr. Clay Stauffer 2 Michael Graham 3
News & Photos 4 Youth Group & Woodmont Kids 6Calendar,
Cares & Recommended Summer Reading List 7Upholding Our Church
back cover
In This Issue
May 11, 2015 Volume 44, Issue 9
Child Dedications - May 10, 2015
(l - r): Jarrett, Eva and Ryan Schmitt
(l - r): Mariel, Robert and Tate Rich
(l - r): Al Richardson, Gene and Elizabeth Regen, Pete and
Sandra Kyne, Cyril Stewart, Montgomery and Megan Stauffer (Clayton
being shy - hiding behind his father, Clay), Bob and Jeanne
Partridge,
Anne and Roy Stauffer, Dottie and Honey Hetzel, Tom and Kathy
Patten, Dr. Donovan McAbee)
Dr. Clay Stauffer Received Doctor of Ministry Degree from
Sewanee, University of the South, May 8, 2015
On Friday May 8, family and friends came together to witness our
Senior Pastor, Clay Stauffer, receive his Doctor of Ministry Degree
from The University of the South at Sewanee. His thesis was
"Politics and the Preaching Dilemma: Preaching the Gospel in an Age
of Materialism" which he writes about in his article on page 2. The
next time you see him, be sure to let him know how proud you are of
him. This accomplishment exemplifies Clays ongoing dedication to
personal growth - a lesson to us all to never stop learning.Join us
this Sunday for a reception in recognition and celebration of Dr.
Stauffer in the Gathering Hall in between services at 10:30
a.m.
Cyril Stewart, Chair of the Congregation
(l - r): Sara Anne Quinn, Janet Bentz, Betty Brent, Nora Rich,
Grace French
Mothers Honored at 11:00 a.m. Worship
Mothers Honored at 9:00 a.m. Worship
Oldest Mom: Kay ButterworthYoungest Child: Vance McGuigan &
Ross
Mothers Day Cake made by Joe Badawy, Woodmont Staff Member
Mothers Day Bake SaleRobert Bentz Rich
Eva Manning Schmitt
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pg 2
Reflections from Sewanee Dr. Clay StaufferI want to thank this
congregation
for supporting me over the past five years during my doctoral
work at Sewanee. Last Friday, May 8th, was graduation at All Saints
Chapel and there was great representation from Woodmont which was
very meaningful. The Doctor of Ministry program is geared for
ministers and
priests who are serving churches and want to continue their
formal education. It is where the academy meets the field of
ministry. I began the program in 2010, just before Montgomery was
born. It has been a lot of work in addition to my responsibilities
here at Woodmont. At Sewanee, I have had the honor and privilege of
studying under scholars like Walter Brueggemann, Will Willimon,
Stanley Hauerwas, Bill Brosend, and Rob MacSwain. I want to share a
few reflections with you.
My initial research interest was in the field of faith and
politics and the estranged relationship that the two often have. I
have focused on questions such as: How to effectively preach to and
pastor a church with diverse political ideologies and social
positions? Was Jesus a political person? What was his agenda? How
can we agree to disagree on certain issues while letting the love
of Christ be the uniting force? How can we listen to perspectives
that are different from our own and not feel threatened by them? We
live in an age of extreme partisan division and polarization, and I
feel that the church must be a place where Christians can come
together to talk about the hot issues of the day in a respectful
manner. The terms liberal and conservative do not always prove to
be helpful, yet we continue to throw those terms around. I have a
fascination with the various factors that drive partisan loyalty
and tendencies. I find the recent work of social psychologist
Jonathan Haidt fascinating. He says, My research confirms the
common perception that liberals are experts in thinking about
issues of victimization, equality, autonomy, and the rights of
individuals, particularly those of minorities and non-conformists.
Conservatives on the other hand, are experts in thinking about
loyalty to the group, respect for authority and tradition, and
sacredness. A society without liberals would be harsh and
oppressive to many individuals. A society without conservatives
would lose many of the social structures and constraints that
Durkeim showed are so valuable. (Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis)
Whether you consider yourself a liberal, conservative, or moderate
(like me), we are called to have a healthy dialogue maintaining
love, civility, and mutual respect.
Under the broad category of faith and politics, I was encouraged
by my advisors to narrow my focus. I chose the topic of money,
materialism, and its relationship to the spiritual life. My thesis
is actually titled Politics and the Preaching Dilemma: Preaching
the Gospel in an Age of Materialism. Money is a universal reality
that we all must deal with on some level. Politics is often tied to
money and self-interest. Furthermore, Jesus had a lot to say about
the topic. We are all familiar with his teachings in the Sermon on
the Mount but we must also acknowledge that many of his parables
deal with this topic. I spent a lot of time focusing on the words
of Jesus from both Matthew and Lukes gospel. I have also done ample
research on what Duke ethicist Stanley Hauerwas and Methodist
pastor Adam Hamilton have to say on the subject. In the thesis, I
address the issues of capitalism, economics, greed, status,
restlessness, stewardship, generosity, fear, and contentment.We do
live in a materialistic society that seems obsessed with status and
getting more. What is the relationship between our stuff and the
spiritual life? In our quest for upward mobility, how can we lose
sight of what matters the most? Do we get to know people for who
they are or just for what they have?
As you can tell, it has been an interesting journey. I have read
a lot, learned a lot, and have tried to incorporate it into my
preaching and ministry.Life should be a life-long quest for
knowledge and wisdom. We all have more to learn.
Blessings,(l - r): Clayton, Clay, Montgomery & Megan
Stauffer - Graduation Day.
Our volunteers traveling to Morgan and Scott counties this
coming weekend (May 15-17) to work side-by-side helping those in
need Gods blessings!
Those in our church family listed each week needing our prayers
and visits hospitalized, shut-ins, sympathy, and those serving
abroad. Remember church, the prayer of a righteous person avails
much (James 5:16)!
WCC high school and college students (and teachers) as they
complete their course work and prepare for final exams!
Woodmonts children (K-12) as they plan their summer camp
retreats at Bethany Hills. May God provide traveling mercies,
safety at camp, and joy, joy, joy!
The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join Them in Prayer
for:
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pg 3
Part II of Church Singing - Connecting to God - The Spectre of
Spectator Sports Michael GrahamI have long found it interesting
that on the night Jesus was betrayed, after finishing their
meal, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn and went out. Ive
wondered who chose that hymn. Was it a standard song sung at every
Passover meal? Was it a hymn of praise to God, or one that inspires
us to greater strength? Regardless, it was a moment of corporate
bonding and, very likely, the last music Jesus
participated in or heard before his death. St. Augustine, one of
the most renowned of the early
church fathers, gave some perceptive thoughts on the use of
music in the church. In his Confessions, he stated, when religious
texts are sung well, greater religious devotion is inspired: souls
are moved... and with a warmer devotion kindled to piety than if
they are not so sung.1
Music is everywhere and it is no longer a luxury in our society.
It is in every store we enter, every restaurant, most elevators,
and it is automatically piped into our phones when we are on hold.
Western civilization is drenched in entertainment. The technology
of the last thirty years has placed music, games, videos and other
pleasurable sights and sounds at our fingertips 24/7. We pay big
bucks to go to concerts by our favorite artists and be entertained
by listening to their songs. It is then, no surprise that many come
to worship with the idea that the soloists, instrumental musicians
and choir are presenting a product to be consumed. After all, music
is entertainment, right? Well, yes, it is. However, church music
can be a multi-faceted tool that enhances our love of God when it
is picked up and used. The first article in this series mentioned a
little history about hymns and psalms. Lets take a minute to
examine how music can be an effective tool in the Christians
repertoire of spiritual growth and maintenance.1) Church Singing, a
Part of WorshipThis may seem obvious, but it is helpful to be
reminded that singing is a part of worship, it is holy and it is
mentioned no less than 400 times in the Bible. We are commanded to
sing, not asked. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to
God. Colossians 3:16
2) Church Singing is PersonalMany hymns are written in
first-person singular, inviting us to express personal praise or
prayer- This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all
the day long; It is well with my soul. These types of hymns tend to
feel more intimate than hymns written with plural pronouns.3)
Church Singing is CorporateThe other side is found in hymns that
assume a common bond between all Christians-our faith in Christ.
The sharing of joy as well as sorrow can help us celebrate our
fellow believers triumphs and bear the burdens others are facing,
as well.4) Church Singing is EncouragingWhen we sing hymns, our
commitment to Christ can be challenged and our faith stretched. We
can be encouraged by words that stir our emotions and Christian
resolve. God communicates with us through the remembrance of music
we have heard in church and have memorized by singing.5) Church
Singing, a Keypad to the MindAsk a 2-3 year old if she knows her
alphabet and you are likely to be treated to the ABC song. Music is
one of the great aids in inputting and retrieving information in
the mind. Even though music is a non-verbal entity, it is powerful
in adhering itself to words and assisting in recalling them.
Scripture and theology are both brought to mind as we audiate hymns
as needed, many times prompted by the Holy Spirit.
As a 35+-year veteran of teaching, I can attest to a simple
truth I experienced daily- the importance of physically inputting
concepts into the learners mind. In teaching singing, I found that
simply asking a singer to change a behavior was rarely successful;
having them do it was. When the Woodmont Choir is needing to fix a
glitch, I ask them to do it, and settle when it is done correctly.
Such inputting is the reason that hymn singing is not a spectator
sport. It is only useful when it is experienced by individuals. We
will explore some how tos in the next and final article entitled,
Down to Basics.
_____________________ 1 Martin Leckebush, 2012, The Hymn Society
of Great Britain and Ireland
Beginning Wednesday Nights in June:Gospel Singing with the
Wednesdy Night Pickers &
Players (Room 105) Followed by Potluck Dinner
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pg 4
Leadership Woodmont 2014-15Finding God in all Things Feeling His
Call Founding a Plan
Leadership Woodmont is a year long class and an exercise in
spiritual development. Members learn more about their spiritual
gifts and spiritual type, and seek to discern how to use these
gifts. The 2014-15 class was facilitated by Fran Stewart and Steve
Smith. They concluded their year of study with a retreat at Evins
Mill in Smithville, Tennessee. Each member is now putting in place
a personal ministry plan that they feel called to follow.
(l - r back row): Mike McConnell, Laura Beth Brown, Tim Perry,
David Stewart, Lynn McDonald, Jade Florlidas, Laurie Hester (l - r
front row): Mark Clymer, Kasey Clymer, (facilitators): Fran
Stewart, Steve Smith. Members not pictured: Brent Smith and John
Harlin.
Rev. Trey Flowers and Dr. Clay Stauffer Attend Rebuilding Haiti,
April 21 2015
(l - r): Rev. Trey Flowers, Former Prime Minister of Haiti
Laurent Lamothe, Dr. Clay Stauffer and Senator Bill Frist, MD.
Mothers Day May 10, 11:00 a.m. Worship - Grace Notes Childrens
Choirdirected by Catie Pratt (far right), accompanied by Gail Reese
(far left)
Woodmont Provides Rockers (Chairs) to Heart for Africa - Rose
says thank you!
Heart for Africa is a faith-based, non-profit organization
providing care and hope to children in Swaziland, a small African
nation. Woodmont is proud to Seek, Share and Serve Heart for Africa
and their Core Values: - To bring glory to God in all we do.- To be
culturally sensitive in countries we serve.- To be the hands and
feet of Jesus in Africa.- To treat each and every person with
respect and love regardless of faith, color, or nationality.- To
work with excellence in everything we do.
Youth Sunday Rehearsal in the Youth LoungeOne of Woodmonts Many
Fellowship Dinner Groups
(l - r): Phil & Connie Schmutz, Milly Moore, Mary Beth
McLaurine, Wilson Wattenbarger, Ann & Randy Luther, Tereza
McCoy
Contact Mary Clare Pyron if you are interested in joining a
group!
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pg 5
(l - r): CWF Meeting:JoAnn Patterson, Gayle Hughes, Mary Keith,
Doris Thompson, Cynthia Beck
CWF - May, 2015: At our board meeting, President Sandra Kyne
gave us gifts with quotes from Brother Lawrence reminding us that
even small daily chores serve the Lord when performed with a
gladness of heart. At our general meeting, our speaker was
Mary-Claire Spencer from the Girl Scouts. We concluded with a
memorial moment honoring Woodmont women we have lost in the past
year. We were also delighted to welcome Doris Thompson to our
meeting. Formerly, Doris was Minister of Christian Education at
Woodmont.
Woodmonts Christian Womens Fellowship (CWF)Growing in the
Presence of Christ and Each Other
For more information about CWF, please contact Sandra Kyne at
[email protected].
In Memory
Christian Womens Fellowship
PEGGY JOHNSONAPril 3, 2014
MArY ElEANOr TOMliNSONAPril 24, 2014
JEANNETTE MillErJulY 31, 2014
MAriE BEArDAuGuST 24, 2014
MiM iNGMANDEcEMBEr 12, 2014
ruTH MYricKDEcEMBEr 21, 2014
ANN (TiNY) BOMArMArcH 13, 2015
AMY AlEXANDErAPril 4, 2015
Christian Womens Fellowship(G)reet, (E)at, (M)eet, and
(S)ocialize
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Noon Room 105 - Catered Meal -
$8.00
Program: Woodmont Christian Church member and Elder, Dr. Donovan
McAbee, will share our program.
*Dont forget: A Door Prize will be given away.Must be present to
win!*
Menu: Bar-B-Cue Slider, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Ice Cream
Sundae Bar.All are welcome. If you wish to attend, please make your
reservation by Friday, May 22, by calling the church office,
615-297-8563, or by emailing Rebecca Vaughn at
[email protected].
The Hooper Classic Tournament Honors Woodmont member Hale Hooper
to bring awareness to stroke prevention. To register visit the
Gathering Hall on Sunday mornings or see the table at the Bridge
Worship Sunday Evenings. You may also visit
http://bit.ly/HooperClassic or call the office, 615-297-8563.
Thank you for playing!
Spots Are Still Open for the Fall Mission Trip to
Guatemala!Seeking, Sharing, Serving...
We have reserved 22 airline tickets for October 10-17. The cost
this year is $752 for airfare and $500 for everything once we
arrive in Guatemala (food, transportation, housing, translators,
guides). There will be a $250 per person scholarship from the
Mission Team committee, bringing the cost to $1000. Please dont let
cost sway your decision as there are several opportunities to make
it happen.
Please email Emmie Thomas at [email protected] so that we
can add you to the list of folks who are committed to traveling. A
deposit of $200 to Woodmont Christian Church is requested to hold
your place.
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pg 6
stay connected!
@woodmontccyouth#woodmontccyouthSCAN THE CODE TO REGISTER
photos from YOUTH SUNDAY-visit http:smu.gs/1KGhHKu to see
more!
Congratulations Justin!Justin Gung received his Masters in
Counseling Degree from Vanderbilt University last weekend!
Summer Camps at Bethany Hills- CYF Camp 2015 - 9, 10, 11, 12
grades - May 31 - June 6 - Chi Rho Camp 2015 - 6th & 7th grades
- June 7 - June 12
Summer Camps at Bethany Hills- Eighters Camp 2015 - 8th grade -
June 28 - July 4
- Junior Camp, completed 4th of 5th grades: July 12 - July 16-
Discovery Camp, completed 2nd or 3rd grades: July 19 - July 22
- Firsters Camp, completed Kindergarten or 1st grade: July 23 -
July 25 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER or visit
ccdctn.org/bh_howtoregister.aspx
GIVE
COM
MUNITY
KINDNESS
ENOUGH
PEACE
JOY
TEACH
DISCIPLESH
IP
EQUIP
ENCOURAGE
PRAYRESPOND LIFESTYLE
GRACE
LOVE
HOPE
TALENT
CHRIST
TIMEOTHERS
OPPORTUNITYGENEROUSLY
LIVIN
SHARE
SERVESEEK
GENEROSITY
TREASUREWITNESS
FAITH
CHANGING LIVES
This chart reflects the number of commitments and amount
commited to date as well as results from years past. It is not too
late to make your commitment! You may do so online at:
bitly.com/LivingGenerouslyor by emailing:
[email protected]
Thank you for supporting
Woodmont!
2015 Stewardship Campaign UpdatePanoramic shot of the new lobby
at WCPS!
Youth Sunday photos by Jim Thomas
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pg 7
Next Weeks CalendarSunday, May 179:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship
Services (Sanctuary, Child Dedication, 9:30 a.m.) Golf Tournament
Registration (Gathering Hall) 10:30 a.m. Reception for Dr. Clay
Stauffer (Gathering Hall) 12:15 p.m. Introduction to Woodmont
Luncheon (BR)3:30 p.m. Elder Board Meeting (BR) 5:15 p.m. The
Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)6:15 p.m. Graduation Reception at
The BridgeMonday, May 18 12:00 p.m. Visitation Group (105)4:00 p.m.
The Geezers Mens Group (BR)5:15 p.m. Cub Scouts (DH)6:00 p.m. Boy
Scouts (DH)6:30 p.m. WCC Board Meeting (BR)Tuesday, May 199:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)10:30 a.m. Woodmonts Book Club (232)6:00
p.m. Finance Committee Meeting (BR) Wednesday, May 206:15 a.m. Mens
Small Group (100)7:00 a.m. Mens Bible Study (105) Younger Mens
Bible Study (BR) Choir Practice (Choir Room)Thursday, May 21
Library Workday
Prayers for our Church FamilyNew ConcernsRon Pyron, father of
Jeremiah PyronContinuing Concerns: Gay Phinizy, Green HIlls Rehab
Yot Williams, Richland PlaceEd KellySteve AndersonChelsea Kramer,
friend of Clay and Megan Stauffer Lauren Galyon, sister-in-law of
L.A. GalyonMilitary:Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender;
son-in-law of Steve and Judy Wilson, Middle EastThose Serving
Abroad:Courtney Valk, Peace Corps, Republic of Georgia
2015 Summer Reading List - Books Marked with an * are available
in the Spire Bookstore on SundaysClay Stauffer recommends:
*The Road to Character by David Brooks *Enough by Adam Hamilton
*The True Measure of a Man by Richard Simmons *Our Kids: The
American Dream in Crisis by Robert Putnam The Happiness Hypothesis
by Jonathan Haidt
Michael Graham recommends: A Journal of Jazz by Whitney Balliett
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Roy Stauffer recommends: *Convictions by Marcus Borg *The Worlds
Religions by Huston Smith *The Future of Faith by Harvey Cox
*Christ of the Celts by J. Philip Newell *The Rebirthing of God by
J. Philip Newell
Farrell Mason recommends: *Learning to Walk in the Dark by
Barbara Brown Taylor The Buried Giant by Kazoo ishiguro *Blue
Horses by Mary Oliver The Rebirthing of God by John Phillip
Newell
Thom Schuyler recommends: Mansion On the Hill by Fred Goodman
The Attributes of God by A. W. Tozer The Inner Voice of Love by
Henri Nouwen *The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
Andra Moran recommends: *Craddock Stories by Fred Craddock Love
Without Agenda by Jimmy Spencer Jr All the Light We Cannot See by
Anthony Doerr *Revolution (The Sixties Trilogy) by Deborah Wiles
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Justin Gung recommends: The Good Life by Peter Gomes Streams of
Living Water by Richard J. Foster *The Measure of Our Success by
Marian Wright Edelman Jesus Outside the Lines by Scott Sauls The
Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Trey Flowers recommends: Letters to a Young Doubter by William
Sloane Coffin *Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott The Preaching Life
by Barbara Brown Taylor The Complete Stories by Flannery OConnor
The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg
Anne Stauffer recommends: Lila by Marilynne Robinson *Broken
Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry *The Art of Forgiving by Lewis Smedes
The Places That Scare You by Pema Chodron
Woodmonts Library - Overdue BooksPlease return the following
books - leave them in the Return Box on the desk in the library
or
in the Mansion office mail box marked library.No fee will be
charged!
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Non Profit Org.US Postage Paid
Nashville, TNPermit #1204
Woodmont Christian Church3601 Hillsboro Rd. Nashville, TN
37215www.woodmontchristian.orgReturn Service Requested
By Our Presence and Our Gifts Deacons Serving May 17, 2015
Elders Serving May 17, 2015Date Sun. School Total Atd. Operating
Communion Prep: Peggy Burrahm
Service Coordinator9:30 - David Reynolds, 11:00 - Laurie
Hester
Video Camera: 9:30 - Jonathan Farmer, 11:00 - George Keith
9:30 a.m. Chip Phinizy
and Wendell Brown
11:00 a.m. Anne Mitchell
and Rich Sanderson
Hospital - Anne Mitchell
Weekly Prayer Partner The Healing Cathedral
Christian Church, Memphis
April 19 329 778 $45,332April 26 348 836 $40,708May 3 239 760
$65,305
May 10 243 889 $39,517Worship Services - May 17, 2015
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.Dr. Clay Stauffer, Preaching Title: What
Really Matters
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-38 and Philippians 4:4-9The Bridge
Worship, 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall
Sermon Series: Psalm 23 Justin Gung, Preaching
Title: I Fear No Evil Scripture: Psalm 23 23:4
Staff Serving Woodmont
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior MinisterDr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister
of Adult Education & Church LifeRev. Justin Gung, Minister of
Children & Congregational CareFarrell Mason, Minister of Family
Life & Pastoral Care Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King,
Creative Directors, "The Bridge"
Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & The BridgeThom
Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions &
OutreachTallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food ProjectMichael
Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool Ben Saunders, Youth
Ministerial InternSarah Huffman, Accompanist Mary Clare Pyron,
Parish Nurse and Small Groups Coordinator
Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Sara deBettencourt,
Communications Director Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Steven
Austin, Housekeeping Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Joe Badawy, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Sam Marsh,
Property & Housekeeping Manager Hannah Ott, Youth Ministerial
Intern Nancy Holmes, Childrens Ministry Assistant
9:30 a.m.Kasey ClymerMark ClymerChad Greer
Shane Douglas Janet Wall
Laura DovanHoney HetzelChristy Brown
11:00 a.m.Cynthia Beck
Patricia TaylorCathy Williams Jenny Holder
Jim HesterRobin Heyne
Doug Schoerke Selena Guilfoy
5:15 p.m.Jay Everett
Rebecca EverettDavid Stewart