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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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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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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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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(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 smkyne@comcast.net.

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 rvaughan@woodmontcc.org.

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 edthomas5@comcast.net 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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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

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COM

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ENOUGH

PEACE

JOY

TEACH

DISCIPLESH

IP

EQUIP

ENCOURAGE

PRAYRESPOND LIFESTYLE

GRACE

LOVE

HOPE

TALENT

CHRIST

TIMEOTHERS

OPPORTUNITYGENEROUSLY

LIVIN

SHARE

SERVESEEK

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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: pledge@woodmontcc.org

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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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!

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