July 21, 2015 Volume 44, Issue 13

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of

a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. I Timothy 6:18-19

Spotlight On Living Generously,Changing Lives:

Woodmonts Gas Voucher and Food Pantry Ministries

ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR WOODMONT YOUTHS 2015-16 YEAR VISIT: www.bit.ly/TotallyPsyched

Seeking God, Sharing Love and

Serving Others

WCC Representatives at the General Assembly July 18-22 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Re-published from Birthday Sundays Bulletin Insert (July 12, 2015) Fun Facts About Woodmont and Some Woodmont/Disciples of Christ History

Woodmont HistoryWoodmonts History (1940s on)

At Woodmont, we come together as united believers in Christ and faithfully fulfill our mission Seeking God, Sharing Love, and Serving Others. The only creed wehold is a firm belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are an open, loving and diverse congregation that shares an extraordinary level of compassion for others. Members andvisitors from all different faith backgrounds and walks of life are engaged in church life at Woodmont.

Woodmont began during the war years (WWII), in 1943, as a mission church of Vine Street Christian Church with Dr. Frank Drowota as our founding minister. The congregation first met at Woodmont Public School. The Mansion (now, our Administrative Offices) was purchased in 1943 and beginning in 1944 served as a sanctuary, parsonage, church school, and business office. Dr. Drowota faithfully pastored the first thirty years, establishing Woodmonts reputation for ministry, strong preaching, and excellence in meeting spiritual needs for all stages of life.

The Church experienced tremendous growth early onand continues to do so today. Our founding members and leaders supported expansion of the campus to include the Sanctuary, Education Building, Garden of Prayer and the Parsonage. The Spire was installed in the early 50s and was described as a finger pointing straight to heavenit remains a Nashville icon and can be seen from miles away.

Woodmont has been served by some of the finest preachers, pastoral staff and lay leaders among Disciples. For 72 years, Woodmonts steadfast commitment to re-inventing itself for ministry with each generation has made us a landmark church serving the Nashville community and beyond. Since 2007, Dr. Clay Stauffer has served as our Senior Minister. The Stone residence as it appeared soon after its purchase in 1943 when it

was being used as a sanctuary, church school, business office and parsonage.

The church family had grown to this size by September, 1945.

Dr. Frank Drowota - Woodmonts Founding Minister

An aerial view of Woodmonts Campus in the 1960s (approx.)

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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) originated on the American frontier in the early 1800s. Our earliest leaders, Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone, spoke out against sectarian religious practices that separated Christians and urged believers to union based on the restoration of New Testament Christianity. They advocated adult baptism by immersion, weekly observance of the Lords Supper, and autonomy for each local congregation. Disciples welcome new members by both confession of faith followed by baptism and transfer of membership from other communions.

Disciples affirm the mainline Protestant practice of Word and Table (preaching and communion). This prepares us for Divine Moments when we commune, reconnect with the Presence, refocus our spiritual purpose, and receive our marching orders as we hold

our hearts open to the Spirits guidance. We rejoice in the power of Gods love through Christ to release us from sin, heal our brokenness, renew our spiritual energies, re-vitalize our vision and empower ministry.

Disciples practice the priesthood of all believers which means our ordained ministers do not do all of the ministrytheir calling is to teach, disciple, and empower ministry among us. Ministry happens whenever and wherever a Christian serves a need in Jesus name. All believers bear spiritual responsibility for understanding Scripture as a means of knowing Gods will. No one dictates what we will believe. We partner with you to discover Gods gifts and calling in your life, and equip you to live fully in the presence of Gods blessings for you.

Fun Facts About Woodmont and Some Woodmont/Disciples of Christ HistoryWOODMONT FUN FACTS: 11 Number of acres covering Woodmonts campus. 27 Total hours needed to fill (3) and heat (24) the Baptistery. 28 Greatest number of years current staff member has served Woodmont (Michael Graham, Music Director). 30 Number of HVAC units needed to heat/cool Woodmont. 72 Woodmonts age. 101 Number of new members who joined in 2014. 122 Number of people listed officially by the church as Charter/Founding Members in 1943. 210 The height of the Spire in feet (plus 7 inches). 2500 Number of light bulbs needed to illuminate Woodmont. 4294 Number of people who Walked Thru Bethlehem in 2014. 35,000 The purchase amount for the Mansion in 1943. Clarence What the C in Dr. C. Roy Stauffers name stands for.

Dr. Frank Drowota - Woodmonts Founding Minister

Christian Church History

Summer of 1949 during one of Woodmonts first Worship Services in the new sanctuary.

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Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: Woodmonts Gas Voucher and Food Pantry Ministries

Pollys Shell Station on Belmont Blvd.

Gas Voucher Ministry by Rebecca VaughanWhat is the Gas Voucher Ministry?

You may not be aware that Woodmont grants $20 gas vouchers to individuals who are in need. The needs range from getting to doctors appointments, going to job interviews, picking up and dropping off children or running essential errands. How does it work? Individual(s) walk up to the front door of the Mansion and ring the bell - I can see and talk to the person from

the Airphone device at my desk equipped with a screen and speaker. People come to the Mansion front door during blazing hot weather, in the snow and rain, sometimes with children in tow and sometimes nervous and ashamed to ask for help. The only thing a person needs to receive a voucher is a valid drivers license.

Woodmont partners with Pollys Shell, a family owned gas station on Belmont Boulevard across from Christ the King Catholic Church and School. Pollys graciously allows us to send the individuals to their station to redeem their gas vouchers. Pollys Shell is one of the last family owned Shell stations in the area. Mr. Polly, the original owner passed the business on to his son Ken before passing away, and Ken still works at the station. Pollys Shell is also a service station with mechanics on site. The best kept secret about Pollys Shell is that they are a full service station who will pump your gas for you for free. You can stay in your car!

There are so many people in need that come to the Mansion for help. I can remember a specific story of a man that came into the church office and was asking for a small amount of money to get gas so that he could make it to a job interview. He had recently fallen

on hard times and lost his job. I could see in his eyes as soon as he walked in the door that his spirit had been broken and he was desperate. It was obvious that he was doing anything and everything he could to get back on his feet. I told him that I could give him a gas voucher that was good for $20 worth of gas. He was immediately appreciative and let me know how much this would really help him. Once I handed him the voucher he looked down at it and looked back at me with tears in his eyes and said, You have no idea how much this means to me, I have been having such a hard time lately, and I didnt want to ask anyone for help, but I know I need help. He began to cry and apologize for being emotional. He wiped his eyes and said God bless you.

Another story that has stuck with me is a lady we gave a gas voucher to because she had just gotten out of an abusive relationship and left most of her belongings behind. She told me she was currently living at the Rescue Mission and was trying to get her life together after leaving her boyfriend. She was so appreciative to receive the voucher and vowed that she would pay us back as soon as she got back on her feet. I did not think much of it, but sure enough a few months later she came back into the church office and paid back the $20.

It is amazing how such a small gesture can really make a difference in a persons life or at least make their day a little better. Having a full tank of gas and being able to go wherever you want at any given time is something that most of us take for granted.

Over the past year we have had the ability to help 67 individuals put gas in their tanks while filling our hearts with the joy of being

able to help someone in need. This ministry allows us to give just a little and get a whole lot more in return. When people are seeking help, we are sharing our hearts, while also serving our community.

The Food Pantry by Lisa RollinsJesus told Peter and the Disciples to Feed my sheep and thats

exactly what the Reflections Sunday School class (meets at 11:00 a.m. in Room 200 - taught by Roy Stauffer) does with their weekly class donations.

The Food Pantry started over six years ago because Woodmonts Administrative Office (The Mansion) was in need of something to give to hungry people who knock at the front door. The food bags consists of non-perishable items such as peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, canned vegetables and soup which will feed several people for two - three days. Also included in the bag is a list of resources in Nashville to help with food, housing, health care, substance abuse support, education, job training, financial assistance and more.

The Patten family was the first to do the weekly shopping to keep the food stocked, and three years ago the Don Rollins family took it on. Things can get pretty hectic in the check out lane to ensure that the correct amount of each type of food is placed in each bag but Kroger employees are glad to help when they find out where the food

bags go. Demand is the highest in the winter right before the holidays however bags are distributed steadily throughout out the entire year.

The Food Pantry also helps feed hungry peoples souls. Should there be a request for a minister, Justin Gung provides pastoral counseling to food bag recipients. Over this same time period the Reflections Class has also provided money for cows and well in Africa and Central America via faith based ministries. A little bit of money can go a long way in the hands of caring people who shepherd resources to those in need!

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Contribution in memory of:Amy AlexanderJohn H. BeckJohn ChaffinJerry HughesMim IngmanDoug JenrathDene JonesKaty KigerJohn Edward Lyon, Jr.Stan McElhineyRuth MyrickGay PhinizyMary Jane WardContributors:Mr. and Mrs. Chance Allen, Sr.Frank and Patricia Bell

Kay ButterworthLoretta W. ChapmanCircle 3, WoodmontBen DavisMary Jo and Jim Phillips and Marcy DiddleMr. and Mrs. Nick ForlidasJudith D. GinnAnn GrannisMarilyn K. HareLee Ann HawkinsJohn S. HendersonMartha HillJohn J. & Martha M. HobbyGayle HughesBill and Janet KeithRobert and June Knabe

Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. KyneSteve and Deb LaForgeJane M. LonghurstRandy and Ann LutherJane and Jim MainColin and Sandra MaleDave and Pat MaloneBarbara C. McClanahanThereza McCoyMary Beth McLaurineDon and Anne MitchellBrenda and John (Leo) Moore, Jr.Sarah P. PeayAnn B. PhillipsEugene and Elizabeth Regen, Jr.Joan and Jack SchmittGayle Smith

Mrs. Fred TarkingtonSallie and Don WalkerPamela ZimmermanContributions in honor of:Cynthia ArnholtDavid ArnholtMary KeithContributors:Malcolm and Debbie BairdNatalie and Jim HaslamPamela Zimmerman

Contributions In Honor of and in Memory of, January 1 June 30, 2015

Time Well SpentIt has been such a privilege to work with an organization that helps women understand that their past does not determine their future. With hard work

and determination they can make a difference for themselves and those around them. - Volunteer for Better Decisions

Woodmont Christian Church has supported Better Decisions, a nonprofit organization that teaches decision-making skills to inmates at the Tennessee Prison for Women for many years. Woodmont women have experienced first-hand the satisfaction that comes from mentoring an incarcerated woman throughout their 8-week program. Please consider being a mentor. The commitment involves attending volunteer training (only once a year) the weekend of Aug. 22-23 (9-noon on Saturday, 1-6 on Sunday), meeting with your inmate partner for one hour weekly during the weeks Sept. 6-Oct. 25, and attending graduation at 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 2. You can register on-line at www.betterdecisions.org. Deadline to register is August 15.For more information about this opportunity please contact Executive Director Rachel Kinney at betterdecisions@comcast.net or at 615.832.8327.

Books Available for You to Bring HomeIn Room 105, there are bookshelves with books that need new homes! Please visit the shelves and help yourself to those that interest you. Please note that only books (no wall art, art etc..) and only the books on the shelves pictured below (not the bibles and books on the shelves on the wall with the door) are available. Thank you!

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Twenty Woodmonters spent the weekend at the Morgan-Scott Project helping three families in two of the poorest counties of Tennessee (Morgan and Scott counties), May 14 - 17, 2015.

Woodmonts Mission: Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving OthersNashville Rescue Mission Shares the Impact of Woodmonts Support

To the Members of Woodmont Christian Church:Nashville Rescue Mission is pleased to achieve as a result of the generosity of Woodmont Christian Church. This reflects significant accomplishments for general operations and sustainability of services in support of the homeless men, women, and children in our community.The following results occurred from January, 2015, through June, 2015: Provided 329,750 meals to diminish the pain of hunger. Provided 137,534 nights of safe nights lodging to homeless men, women, and children. Provided 72 men and 28 women with life-recovery programs including 12,220 recovery class

hours, 3,002 HSE hours, and 491 computer lab hours. Graduated 34 men and 11 women from life-recovery programs, drug and alcohol free, job ready. Transitioned 54 men and 18 women into extended residency following graduation. Employment was secured by 69 men and 8 women.Thank you for partnering with Nashville Rescue Mission to break the cycle of homelessness and change lives forever.

Most Sincerely,

Glenn CranfieldPresident and CEO

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stay connected!

@woodmontccyouth#woodmontccyouth@woodmontccyouth#woodmontccyouth

stay connected!

@woodmontccyouth#woodmontccyouth

stay connected!

@woodmontccyouth#woodmontccyouth

CHI-RHO SWIM & STUDY this

Wednesday at Sequoia swim &

tennis club, 5-7 p.m. ALL STUDENTS

GOING INTO 6TH GRADE THROUGH

9TH GRADE ARE WELCOME!

2120 Chickering Lane, 37215

ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR WOODMONT YOUTHS 2015-16 YEAR:

www.bit.ly/TotallyPsychedthe deadline to register

is August 1 in order to print the Youth Group Directories!

We congratulate Justin and April Gung on the adoption of their new baby, Isaiah Kennedy Gung bornJuly 15! April and Justin invite your prayers until the adoption process becomes final.

By Our Presence and Our Gifts Deacons Serving July 26, 2015 Elders Serving July 26, 2015Date Sun. School Total Atd. Operating Communion Prep: Patricia Taylor

Service Coordinator9:30 - Jonathan Farmer 11:00 - Linda Webb

Video Camera: 9:30 - Open 11:00 - Robbie Quinn

9:30 a.m. Michael Whittington

and Fran Stewart

11:00 a.m. Rich Sanderson

and Sandra Carpenter

Wendell Brown (hospital)

5:15 p.m. Rich Sanderson

June 28 255 747 $67,681July 5 202 509 $25,272

July 12 230 734 $23,423July 19 255 692 $46,026

Worship Services - July 26, 2015

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Preaching

Title: "A2D" Scripture:: Romans 14:1-12

Staff Serving WoodmontDr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church LifeRev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care

Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors, "The Bridge"

Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"Thom Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions & Outreach

Tallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food ProjectMichael Graham, Director of Music Ministry

Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse & Small Groups Coordinator

Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director

Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist

Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Chris Beck, Finance Manager

Nancy Holmes, Childrens Ministry AssistantMaddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry Coordinator

Martha Duff, Director of Preschool

Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping ManagerJoe Badawy, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping

Stephen Austin, Housekeeping Ben Saunders, Youth Ministerial Intern

9:30 a.m. Roy Jordan

Billy CrawfordTom Dovan

Joel HysmithHope Walker

Talbot OttingerRob CochranEllen Cochran

11:00 a.m.Laurie Hester

Don Hart Ray Dickerson

Sandy DickersonMike Robinson

Becca RobinsonBarbara Sullivan

Mike Wright

5:15 p.m.Andrew Chelton

Stephanie CheltonTami Buchanan

Sara-Kate Hooper

Next Weeks CalendarSunday, July 269:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services (Sanctuary)5:15 p.m. The Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)Monday, July 274:00 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, July 289:00 a.m. Womens Prayer Group (C/S)Wednesday, July 296:15 a.m. Mens Small Group (100)7:00 a.m. Mens Bible Study (105) Younger Mens Bible Study (BR)5:00 p.m. Chi-Rho Youth Swim & Study (Off Campus)Thursday, July 30 Library Workday

The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join Them in Prayer for: Our church family as we continue our Christian journey through prayer

and study of Gods Word. Our weekday Bible studies Gods Word is a lamp to our feet and a

light to our path. Wisdom, as WCC continues to pray and study the Scripture, seeking

Gods direction for our faith and practice. Your favorite charitable ministry at WCC from feeding the hungry to

building houses for our neighbors. We are Gods people!

Prayers for Our Church FamilyNew ConcernsBecky GriffithNancy GriffithContinuing ConcernsAl Richardson, StallworthElaine Markland Donnie Creighton, Woodcrest RehabMattie Chandler, mother of Cynthia BeckYot Williams, Richland PlaceMilitaryCody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve & Judy Wilson, Middle EastSympathy ToFamily and friends of Wayne Puckett. Wayne passed away Saturday, July 18, 2015. At his request, there will be no funeral service. Memorials may be made to Alive Hospice.Congratulations ToJustin and April Gung on the adoption of their baby boy, Isaiah Kennedy Gung, born on July 15, 2015.