Deadline to Order Easter Lilies is 2/23 ~ Order Online: www.tinyurl.com/Lilies4Me or Fill Out the Form on pg.

In This Issue
From Woodmonts Staff:
Clay Stauffer
2
Trey Flowers
2
The Season of Lent
2
Ash Wed. Devotional 3
Announcements
3
Youth Group
4
Woodmont Kids
4
Easter Lily Order Form 5
Bulletin Board
5
Upholding Our Church 6

Due to the Deep Freeze in TN, this edition of The Spire has
been abbreviated to accommodate shorter production
time but still deliver your news!
Easter Prayer Vigil
Woodmonts Easter Prayer Vigil is a time of taking
watch in prayer and spending time with the Lord
before celebrating Jesus resurrection on Easter
Sunday. The Prayer Vigil is a 36 hour period broken
down in to 30 minute time blocks beginning at 7:00
p.m. on Good Friday and concluding at 7:00 a.m.
Easter Sunday. You may pray from home or the
church Sanctuary.

To sign up please visit

www.tinyurl.com/PrayerVigil2015

Core Values
Welcoming
Outstanding worship
Outreach
Different traditions
Mission and ministry
On the move
Nurturing
Transforming

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

Download the 2015 Season of Lent booklet to any of your devices and enjoy the
inspirational prayers, devotionals and reflections wherever you go.

Adam Sherland and Ricki Adkins,

engaged to marry at WCC

www.tinyurl.com/MyLentDevo

Welcome New Members! February 15, 2015

(l to r) Dawson, Misti, David

and Jackson Schmutz

Sara James with sons (l to r)

William & Jackson (3 years)

2015 LENTEN SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 22
First Sunday of Lent
NEW Lenten Sermon Series
Morning Worship, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
(through Palm Sunday):
"Parables of Jesus Christ"
The Bridge Worship
NEW Lenten Sermon Series
5:15 p.m. Evening Worship
"The Shape of Lent"
Thursday, April 2
Maundy Thursday
Special 5-Star Dinner
5:35 p.m. in Drowota Hall
followed by
Worship Service at6:30 p.m.
The Last Supper
Service of Communion A Live Reenactment!
Friday, April 3
Good Friday
Worship Service
5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
with the Chancel Choir
"Seven Last Words of Christ"
Easter Prayer Vigil Begins, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4
Holy Saturday
Family Easter Egg Hunt
10:30 a.m. on the East Lawn
Bring your family and friends!
Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunday
Easter Prayer Vigil Concludes, 7:00 a.m.
Worship Services
7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service
at the Outdoor Chapel (may bring a chair)
9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
with simultaneous service at
The Bridge in Drowota Hall
and
11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
(no simultaneous service)

Searching for Lifes Meaning

by Clay Stauffer
"What is the meaning of life?" Its a big question, and biologists. The second question is about life from the inside, as a subject
a bold question, and often an overwhelming question. How can I find a sense of meaning and purpose? and is properly addressed
Its a question that I wrestle with on a continual basis. by theologians, philosophers, and psychologists. The second question is really
Its the question that called me into the ministry at a empirical a question of fact that can be examined by scientific means. Why
young age. Why are we here? What are we supposed do some people live lives full of zest, commitment, and meaning, but others
to be doing while we are here? What difference will feel that their lives are empty and pointless?" (Haidt 218-219). As a theologian,
we make while on Earth? The question is answered I enjoy wrestling with both questions. Even those who cant come up with a
differently by different people. Thomas Merton said, convincing answer to the first question must still wrestle with the second.
Jesus gave his own answers to this question throughout his life
"Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning
of life by ourselves alone. We find it with another." Leo Tolstoy said, "The sole and ministry which we have recorded in the gospels. When asked which
meaning of life is to serve humanity." The prophet Micah asks, "What does the commandment of the law is the greatest, he said, "Love the Lord your God with
Lord require of you? To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your all your heart, soul, mind, and strengthand love your neighbor as yourself."
God." (Micah 6:8). Paul Tillich said, "Faith consists in being vitally concerned (Matt 22:36-40) In the Sermon on the Mount, he said, "Love your enemies and
with that ultimate reality to which I give the symbolical name of God. Whoever pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:44). He said, "Do not worry about
reflects earnestly on the meaning of life is on the verge of an act of faith." Sadly, tomorrow. Tomorrow will bring trouble of its own.Todays trouble is enough for
there are many who never wrestle with this question. Perhaps its too deep. today." (Matt 6:34) He also said, "Do unto others as you would have them do
Perhaps the answers that they find are unsatisfactory. Perhaps they are too busy unto you." (Matt 7:12) As his followers, we have to take these words seriously
just living life to ask the question. Victor Frankle put a different twist on this when wrestling with this question.
question. He said, "The meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day, and During the Season of Lent, I will be leading a class on Wednesday
from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general, but nights at 6:30 p.m. called "Faith, Film, and Meaning" in the Boardroom where
rather the specific meaning of a persons life at a given moment." Everybody does not we will wrestle with this question. Film has a way of captivating our attention
have the same answer to this question. Some might give one word answers family, and emotion. We will look at clips from well-known movies such as Good Will
Hunting, A River Runs Through It, With Honors, When a Man Loves a Woman, A
friends, love, joy, work, money, happiness, compassion, etc.
Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt has also wrestled with this Time to Kill, and many more. We will cover a multitude of themes including love,
question his entire life and it has driven and inspired much of his professional loss, grief, fear, addiction, recovery, hope, war, peace, and redemption.If you
research. In his book The Happiness Hypothesis, he says that there are actually are a person who finds yourself thinking about these topics through the lens of
two questions that should be asked which cannot be separated. "The first asks faith, come and join us!
about life from the outside; it looks at people, the Earth, and the stars as objects Blessings,
Why do they all exist? and is properly addressed by theologians, physicists,

Frozen
by Trey Flowers
Ive loved snow days ever since I was little. shelter. As we light fires and sip from warm mugs, the daily journey of the
Some of my fondest memories growing up were building homeless and working poor are anything but a warm memory. Snow days dont
snowmen, sledding in the backyard, and making hot create any more space or extra beds in the shelters around town. These subzero
chocolate after coming in from the cold. Since Ive moved wind chills are our solemn reminder that if we dont live out Jesus command in
to Nashville, I still love a good ole snow day, even if its Matthew 25 (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit
not nearly as much fun as an adult in the age of email the sick/imprisoned), then who will? Surely if the ministry of Christ had taken
and cell phones where we can still work from home. As place in the Midwest rather than the Middle East, he would have added "warm
I write this article and peek out my window, I see the the ones stuck in the snow" to the list of things we do for him whenever we help
ground majestically covered in white and steady icicles hanging from every the least of these.
branch of our favorite tree. Even though snow days dont mean the same thing I am so grateful to be part of a church family that not only hosts Room in
anymore, I still get to live vicariously through the students in the youth group the Inn on Friday nights but who also come together to provide extra emergency
who are all posting pictures of sledding in the park and building snowmen with nights during the "cold snaps" that weve been having more and more of lately.
When winter comes, we cant double the number of beds in Nashvilles homeless
their neighbors. A cup of hot tea never tasted so good!

Still, I cannot help but wonder about all those people for whom a shelters, but we can certainly double the space in our hearts to share the love
snow day is not a warm memory or a happy day at home. On any given night, of Christ with all people. One bed at a time, one meal at a time, we live out the
Nashville has between 3,000 and 4,000 homeless people seeking food and mission of Christ in a world that can otherwise feel far too cold.
The Season of Lent
Lent is the forty-day period before Easter. It is a season of soul-searching and repentance - a season for reflection and taking stock. When we count the forty days, we
skip Sundays. Thus in 2015, Lent begins on February 18 and ends on April 5. Historically, Lent has been, for the faithful, a time of re-dedication and for converts, a time of
instruction and preparation for baptism. The forty-day period recalls the time of Jesus withdrawal into the wilderness to fast and pray. The color used in the Sanctuary
during Lent is purple - a royal color to prepare for the King. The color for Easter Sunday is white for celebration of the risen Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, this year
February 18, so called for the ceremony of placing ashes on the forehead as a sign of penitence. In the Roman Catholic Church, the ashes are obtained from burned palm
branches of the previous Palm Sunday and placed on the foreheads as a reminder that "you are dust, and unto dust you shall return." In the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), some congregations observe Ash Wednesday only as a marker for the beginning of Lent, while others hold services that focus on the cleansing of the spirit and
the anointing with oil and ashes. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It is so called from the custom of carrying palm branches in procession, in commemoration of
the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. "Maundy" is derived from the Latin "mandatum" or commandment. Maundy
Thursday commemorates The Last Supper - "Do it in remembrance of me." Good Friday recalls Jesus death on the cross. "Good" refers to the blessings of humanity that
Christians believe came as a result of Jesus crucifixion. Some churches display a cross draped in black on this day. Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus resurrection. It is
a celebration of life over death; the promise of forgiveness and eternal life through Christ.

From Woodmonts Lent Devotional Booklet - Ash Wednesday, February 18, by Tallu Schuyler Quinn
FIRE by Judy Brown
So building fires
it is fuel, and absence of the fuel
requires
attention
together, that make fire possible.
What makes a fire burn
to
the
spaces
in
between,
is space between the logs,
We only need to lay a log
as much as to the wood.
a breathing space.
lightly from time to time.
When
we
are
able
to
build
Too much of a good thing,
A fire grows
open spaces
too many logs
simply because the space is there,
in the same way
packed in too tight
with openings
we have learned
can douse the flames
in which the flame
to pile on the logs,
almost as surely
that knows just how it wants to burn
then we can come to see how
as a pail of water would.
can find its way.

Lent comes around each year and offers us an opening. During Lent, were given forty days to strip away some of the barriers we keep up in our lives busy schedules, old anger, financial worries, greed - and poke holes into the day-to-day, making room for that spark of the Holy Spirit that burns within each of us.

The ashes we wear on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday are burnt from last years Palm Sunday palms. We place them there with the prayer that this
year we will make space in our hearts for deeper relationship with God. I think of the two who were reunited with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us?"

As we begin this Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, I invite you to slow your racing thoughts, to calm your restless spirits and lessen your load a little.
And, with whatever small kindling you have, build a fire in your heart, and ask God to meet you there. But instead of piling on the logs, make space for prayer and
quiet and listening for Gods holy voice, still speaking.

GEMS - (G)reet, (E)at, (M)eet, and (S)ocialize

Tuesday, February 24 - Noon

Room 105 Catered Meal - $8.00
Program: Woodmont Christian Church
Deacon and Board Member, Jeremiah
Pyron will share Woodmonts Mission
Trip to Guatemala.
Menu: Meaty Lasagna, Italian Green
Beans, Caesar Salad, Ricotta Cheese
Cookies.
If you would like to attend, please make reservations
by Friday, Feb. 20, by calling the church office at 2978563 or by emailing rvaughan@woodmontcc.org.

Friday March 6th 7:00 p.m.

AVENUE 120 3rd Ave S. Nashville

Festive Attire Welcome!

To purchase tickets
and find out more
about the auction visit
www.tinyurl.com/March6Auction

Faith, Film & Meaning - NEW Wednesday Night Class

led by Clay Stauffer, Feb. 25,
6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom

This class will explore film clips from

well-known movies with spiritual
themes and discuss what it means
to find meaning and purpose in life.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Would you have a few
hours available in the
next few weeks to assist
with data input in our
office?This job is easy and
if you have keyboarding
skills (or just generally use
a computer), you will be
perfect for this work. We
will need a few people
who can spend 2-3 hours at a time on either a Tuesday,
Wednesday or Thursday to help. Our hope is to get the job
completed within 30 days. If interested, please contact Linda
Whitson lwhitson@woodmontcc.org or call 297-8563.
Thanks we hope to hear from you!

SIGN UP FOR HABITAT BUILDS: 3/7, 8, 14 & 15 7:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
When Woodmont sponsors a Habitat for Humanity build, church members and friends come
out in droves to put a hammer to a nail, a paintbrush to a wall, and to get to know one another
while doing the work of God. After the work is over, we hand the keys over - keys to new
dignity, new hope and new life. To sign up visit: www.tinyurl.com/WoodmontBuilds.
March 7 - Day 1 - Framing
March 14 - Day 3 - Siding/Insulation
March 8 - Day 2 - Framing Roof

March 15 - Day 4 - Finish Siding

5-STAR DINNER: FEBRUARY 25 5:35 p.m., DROWOTA HALL

The Menu: Chili and all the Fix-ins: Red Bean Chili, White
Bean Chili, Mixed Green Salad, Sour Cream Cornbread, Triple Fudge
Brownies with Ice Cream, Pizza for the Kids. Reservations are due
by noon, February 23. RSVP by calling the office - 297-8563, by
emailing rvaughan@woodmontcc.org, on-line: by visiting
www.tiny.cc/5StarWoodmont, or on Sundays Connection Card.

Mission statement

Building a caring community for ALL youth that helps us connect with God, our true selves, & others.

stay
stayconnected!
connected!

Parents, Youre Invited! Join us this Sunday at 11:00

a.m. (start in the Boardroom) as we continue our
Sunday School series"In the Image Of - Q & A
Panel Discussion." Join us for a panel discussion with
questions from both parents & students.
Registration for CYFs Spring Fling is now live! To access the registration
form, visit www.tinyurl.com/CYFspringfling.
YOUTH CABINET MEETING THIS SUNDAY February 22nd in the Youth Lounge
immediately following Sunday School.

@woodmontccyouth
@woodmontccyouth
#woodmontccyouth
woodmontccyouth
#

Sundays
10:3o a.m. jubilation rehearsal (cyf discussion room)
11:oo a.m. sunday school (youth wing)
5:15 p.m. the bridge worship
6:15 p.m. youth night & dinner (youth wing)
tuesdays
6:30 a.m. high school bible study, Panera green hills
monthly, girls: 1st & 3rd Tue, guys: 2nd & 4th Tue

wednesdays

5:15 p.m. homework highs & lows (youth wing)

exit at CONNECT WITH GOD and turn right at LOVE CARE FORGIVE

SUNDAY SCHOOL
February 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Class
Puppies
Stars
Pandas
Frogs
Monkeys

Lesson
The Lost Sheep
Jesus Miracles
Jesus heals two Daughters
Jesus and the Tax Collectors
Disciples Class Registration for 5th Graders & Older is Open!

The time for the Disciples Class is approaching! This seven-week experience is for anyone in the fifth grade or above who
would like to learn more about what it means to faithfully follow Christ. Each student will have the opportunity to be
baptized, if he or she chooses.The Disciples Class is an important step in your childs journey of faith. In this class, your
child will: (1) explore some of the foundations of the Christian faith; (2) have the opportunity to confess his or her own
faith; (3) be mentored by a faithful adult in the church; (4) bond with others who will be friends through Chi Rho, CYF,
and beyond; (5) meet his or her future youth leaders; and (6) much, much more! To download the registration form and
information packet for the class, visit www.woodmontkids.com.

Opportunities at Woodmont

Prayers for our Church Family

Sunday, February 22 - First Sunday of Lent

9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services
12:00 p.m.
Youth Cabinet Meeting (Youth Lounge)
12:30 p.m.
Nominating Committee Meeting (200)
5:15 p.m.
The Bridge Worship (DH)
6:15 p.m.
Youth Group (Youth Commons)
Monday, February 23
4:00 p.m.
"The Geezers" Mens Group (BR)
5:15 p.m.
Cub Scouts (DH)
6:00 p.m.
WMT Board Meeting (BR)

Boy Scouts (DH)
7:00 p.m.
Stewardship Committee Meeting (100)
Tuesday, February 24
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group (C/S)
12:00 p.m.
G.E.M.S. (Greet Eat Meet Socialize) (105)
6:00 p.m.
Handbell Practice (Choir Room)
Wednesday, February 25
6:15 a.m.
Mens Small Group (100)
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study (105)

Younger Mens Bible Study (BR)
4:30 p.m.
Celtic Spirituality (100)
5:30 p.m.
Grace Notes Kids Choir (Kids Commons)
5:35 p.m.
5-Star Dinner (DH)
6:15 p.m.
DivorceCare (The Bay)

JYF Kids Club (Kids Commons)
6:30 p.m.
NEW CLASS - Faith and Film (BR)

Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Celtic Spirituality (100)

Financial Peace University (200)
Leadership Woodmont (105)
Thursday, February 26 Library Workday

In the Hospital:
Wayne Puckett, Summit - No phone calls or visitors please.
John Galloway, St. Thomas West
John Beck, father of Dennis Beck, TN State Veterans Home Humboldt, TN
Continuing Concerns:
Dr. Will Keim, Corvalis, OR
James and Daisy Reynolds, parents of Julia Reynolds, (Daisy is in McKendree Village Rehab)
Nancy Turner
Julie Janes
Dottie Hetzel
Jim Collins, Atlanta, GA
Mary Hofwolt, sister of John Hobby
Julia Shipp
Mina Malaty, nephew of Joseph Badawy, Albany, NY
Military:
Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve and Judy Wilson, Middle East
Jeremy Watson, son-in-law of Doug and Terri King, Middle East
Kevin Baird, son of Malcolm and Debbie Baird, Liberia
Those Serving Abroad:
Courtney Valk, Peace Corps, Republic of Georgia

Elder Prayer Cover - The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join

Them in Prayer For:
The homeless in our community suffering during this winter season - Gods
blessings on all those who help with Room In The Inn!
The sick and afflicted from our own church family; consider praying for each of them
by name!
Our fellow Christians throughout the world entering the Lenten season - preparing
for Easter through prayer, repentance, giving to others, and self-denial!
Our Senior Minister, Clay, as he prepares to share a Lenten worship series, The
Parables of Jesus Christ!

Easter Lily Order Form - Deadline to Order is Monday February 23

Easter Lilies May be Ordered In Honor of/Memory of Family and Friends. Following the 11:00 a.m. Easter
service, plants purchased may be taken home or to be given as gifts. Lilies will be 14" to 16" tall, with 2
stalks, in foil-wrapped pots and will be used to decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday only. After the
11:00 a.m. Easter service, purchased plants may be taken home to enjoy or give as gifts. Each plant is $10.50.
ORDERING LILIES

Fill out the form, detach, and: 1) place it in Sundays offering plate or 2) mail it to 3601 Hillsboro Rd. Nashville, TN 37215.
Please mark your check/cash envelope "for lilies."
Online at www.tinyurl.com/Lilies4Me - click the link in your order confirmation email to pay on-line or you can pay by check
(Sundays offering plate or by mail).
ORDERED BY (PLEASE PRINT)

First: ____________________ Last:____________________ Ph: ____________________ Email: ________________________

TOTAL PURCHASED/METHOD OF PAYMENT
I am purchasing ____ plants @ $10.50 each = $ _________ (total due - see chart)
I am paying: BY CHECK BY CASH

ON-LINE

FOR THE EASTER LILY BOOKLET (PLEASE PRINT - LIST ONLY NAMES SEPARATED BY A COMMA)

Given By - First/Last Name(s) or Family Name: ____________________________________________________________________

In HONOR of - First/Last Name(s) or Family Name:

In MEMORY of - First/Last Name(s) or Family Name:

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Woodmont Christian Church

Non Profit Org.

US Postage Paid
Nashville, TN
Permit #1204

3601 Hillsboro Rd. Nashville, TN 37215

Sunday, February 22, 5:15 p.m.

New Series: "The Shape of Lent"
Justin Gung, Preaching
Sermon Title: "Walk the Line"
Scripture: Luke 9:51
The geometric shape featured this week is the
most basic and fundamental: The Line. This is the
shape of which all others are made. Everything
is created with lines: shapes and letters, art and
language, architectural drawings and musical
staffs. The sermon will review Lent as a topic and
encourage us to "walk the line" from point to
point and week to week, all the way to Easter.

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Date
January 25
February 1
February 8
February 15

Sun. School Total Atd. Operating

332
362
358
TBA

856
819
833
TBA

$16,795
$67,731
$35,746
TBA

Schedule of Deacons Serving

February 22, 2015
Communion Prep
Janet Wall

Service Coordinator

9:30 - David Reynolds, 11:00 - Laurie Hester

Video Camera

9:30 - Nicole Clayton, 11:00 - Paula Forcht

Worship Services - February 22, 2015

9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Clay Stauffer, Preaching
NEW Sermon Series: "Parables of Jesus Christ"
Title: "Being A Spiritual Person"
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 13-23
5:15 p.m. - The Bridge Worship
Justin Gung, Preaching
NEW Sermon Series: "The Shape of Lent"
Title: "Walk the Line"
Scripture: Luke 9:51

9:30 a.m.
Laura Beth Brown
Kasey Clymer
Mark Clymer
Tim Perry
Laura Dovan
Janet Wall
Cynthia Arnholt
Steven McGinty

5:15 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
Jay Everett
Mike Wright
Cynthia Arnholt David Stewart
Virginia Dinker
Jim Hester
Barbara Sullivan Rebecca Everett
Teri Diamond
Nick Forlidas
Selena Guilfoy
Barbara Sullivan

Schedule of Elders Serving

February 22, 2015
9:30 a.m.
Jack Derryberry
and
Bill Heyne

11:00 a.m.

Anne Mitchell
and
Bryan Sargent
Pat Malone - Serving at Hospital

5:15 p.m.
Mart Sesler

Weekly Prayer Partner

Decatur-Trinity Christian Church,

Memphis

Woodmont Christian Church Staff

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life
Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Tallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food Project
Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors
Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry

for "The Bridge" Worship
Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator
Joe Badawy, Housekeeping
Ben Saunders, Youth Ministerial Intern
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping
Sarah Huffman, Accompanist
Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping Manager
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse and Small
Steven Austin, Housekeeping
Hannah Ott, Youth Ministerial Intern

Groups Coordinator
Chris Beck, Finance Manager
Nancy Holmes, Childrens Ministry Assistant