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Walk Thru Bethlehem, Woodmont’s Christmas gift to Nashville happens in less than two weeks! We need everyone in the Woodmont family to make the magic happen, including building the village, staffing the shops and special roles, and providing invaluable help behind the scenes with food, costumes, parking, and other.

How can you help bring the 39th WTB to life? It’s easy. Click here to sign up on Woodmont's website. On the website, you’ll find descriptions of the costumed (please pay special attention to the 3rd shift openings) and special costumed (soldier and street vendor) opportunities. Thankfully, many of the jobs filled up earlier, however, important openings remain. Please consider making one of those roles yours.

Some may be uncomfortable with QR codes and websites, or, maybe, need more information than appears in print. If so, please call Steve Smith at (615) 414-5899 or Rich Sanderson at (615) 997-6391

If you have a costume role, you MUST pick up your costume in advance. Many of the folks who have signed up have not gotten costumes yet. You have two – and only two – more chances to pick up costumes.

• Sunday, Dec. 1, from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
• Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

This event is amazing. If you’ve participated before, you know that. If not, a treat awaits. Please join our Woodmont family in delivering this Christmas treasure.

Hanging of the Greens this Sunday, Dec. 1

Our annual Hanging of the Greens service is this Sunday, Dec. 1, at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary, followed by The Tasting party in Drowota Hall. The service marks the beginning of the Advent season and features carols sung by the congregation and the Cherub Choir, Grace Notes, Handbell Choir, Jubilation, and the Chancel Choir.

Christmas Concert Dec. 15

Woodmont is hosting a Christmas concert with the Chancel Choir, Grace Notes, and orchestra at 5 PM on Sunday, Dec. 15, in the sanctuary. The concert will feature a work entitled "Nativity" composed by Michael Graham, in which each movement is a different Nativity character. You and your family will not want to miss this Christmas event!

As we enter Thanksgiving week and the Advent season, we must recognize that both gratitude and happiness are intentional choices that we make. We cannot wait for others to bring it to us, or we will be severely disappointed. In our world, most people are always longing for something more, bigger, and better. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the perfect time to stop, reflect, and fully appreciate the blessings we currently have even when life isn’t perfect. 

Every human being seeks happiness, but it remains fleeting and elusive. It comes and goes. One day we are up, the next day we’re down. One day we are on top of the world, the next day, the world has run us over. Many factors are out of our control. Our founding fathers once said that we have a God-given right to life, liberty, and the “pursuit” of happiness. Everybody decides to enter this pursuit very differently.

In his classic book The Happiness Hypothesis, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt identifies three different theories of human happiness. The first theory is the “progress principle” which says happiness comes from success and acquisition. This is the principle that dominates our consumer culture. We feel that we will be happier if we made more money, bought a nicer car, a bigger house, or more toys. However, the author of Ecclesiastes figured out just how disappointing this mindset can be when he writes: “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and chasing after the wind.” (Ecc 2:11) Time and time again, we find that the person with the most toys and money is still unhappy and discontent. 

The second theory is most common in Buddhism and other Eastern religions. “Buddha, Epictetus, and many other sages saw the futility of the rat race and urged people to quit. They proposed a particular happiness hypothesis: Happiness comes from within and it cannot be found by making the world conform to your desires.” The goal here is to move away from desire and attachment because it inevitably leads to suffering. Meditation, contemplation, journaling, and prayer are common ways to achieve this. This approach involves trying to not control the uncontrollable. There is great wisdom here. This theory also recognizes the shallowness and superficiality of our materialistic culture. We can always find something newer, shinier, and better to buy. 

Haidt ultimately concludes that both theories are inadequate, so he proposes a third theory that is most convincing: happiness in life comes from between. “Happiness is not something that you can find, acquire, or achieve directly: you have to get the conditions right and then wait.” The conditions to which he is referring have to do with relationships: “relationships between yourself and others, between yourself and your work, and between yourself and something larger than yourself.” 

Once we are able to get these relationships right, happiness will follow. However, in the process, certain factors will make this difficult. The Dalai Lama and Desmund Tutu identified these as “obstacles to joy” that every human being must navigate: stress and anxiety, frustration and anger, sadness and grief, loneliness and despair, envy and jealousy, suffering and adversity, illness and the fear of dying. Being aware of these things is important. They must be replaced with perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness , gratitude, compassion, and generosity. For Jesus, the heart of gratitude and happiness is love, compassion, and living the golden rule. If we can do this, our relationships in life will thrive and bring meaning. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!   

"Finding Hope No Matter What" this Sunday, Dec. 1

Advent week 1 - "Hope"

Clay Stauffer

Isaiah 9:2-6 & Romans 5:1-5

New series "The Wonder of Christmas"

Our schedule this Sunday is:

• 8:30 AM – Full breakfast in the gym
• 9:30 AM – Informal service in the sanctuary
• 9:40 AM – The Bridge service in the chapel
• 10:00 AM – Middle school service in the youth lounge
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary
• 5:00 PM – Hanging of the Greens and The Tasting Party

Welcome, new members!

Daniel & Millie Lynch, joined Nov. 24

Gail Wiener, joined Nov. 24

Derek & Jenny Charles, joined Nov. 24

Five services on Christmas Eve

4:00 PM Napkin Nativity service in the sanctuary - Designed for families with young children, this is a short service that features carols, the Christmas Story, and a hands-on interactive experience called “The Napkin Nativity.”

5:00 PM Children & Youth Candlelight service in the sanctuary - A candlelight service focused on families who have children in both the elementary and middle/high school age range.

5:00 PM Contemporary service in the chapel - Brand new this year, our first modern Christmas Eve service will feature a full band and an immersive worship experience.

7:00 PM and 10:00 PM Candlelight & Communion - A longstanding tradition, our evening services tell the story of Christmas through “Lessons & Carols.” Music by Gary Musick and the Norris Twins at 7:00 PM with music by the Chancel Choir, Catie Pratt, and Cathy Graham at 10:00 PM.

Advent book online

This year's Advent devotional book is out now! You can pick up your copy in the lobby area of the sanctuary or chapel, or simply click the button below to read online. These devotionals are written by Woodmont members each year to prepare our hearts for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as we make our way to Christmas morning. Also included is a full schedule of all the holiday festivities here at Woodmont!

Sunday, Nov. 17

Photos by Erin Douglas

The Psalmist had no exclusive corner on God’s blessings, yet he expressed so beautifully the way all of us feel who appreciate God’s unlimited blessings:

“My cup runneth over... surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” - Psalm 23

Your attitude in life is not something that is given to you; it’s something you choose. I have always chosen to be a positive person, and have greatly enjoyed and appreciated life because of it. In fact, I don’t know how anyone can truly believe in God through Jesus Christ and not be positive... no matter what happens.

A friend once gave me The Book of Positive Quotations. I love books and this kind of book has always been one of my favorites. There is a section in the book entitled “Counting Our Blessings.” It contains many quotes and thoughts from well-known and unknown people. Since Thanksgiving is this week, I thought I’d share a few of the more thoughtful and inspiring quotes. I hope you find some time on Thanksgiving Day... or any day... to get alone and quiet, and ponder the spiritual blessings found in these quotes.

"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" - Henry Ward Beecher

"Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them we will see... better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings while counting your troubles." - Maltbie D. Babcock

"When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy." – Abraham Heschel

"Life may be hard, but it’s also wonderful." – Small Change

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, and wind bears us up, snow is exhilarating; there really is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." - John Ruskin

"The greatest saint in the world is not the person who prays most or fasts most; it is the person who gives alms, or is most eminent for temperance, chastity, or justice. It is that person who is most thankful to God." - William Law

"What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner." - Colette

Some people look at life’s troubles and question if there is a good God. I look at all life’s joys and blessings and think, “How could there not be a good God?”

Happy Thanksgiving.

Lauren Lucas at CWF Dec. 3

Our next CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) meeting will feature Christmas music by Lauren Lucas on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 11:00 AM in the chapel with music. RSVP for lunch by calling the church office at (615) 297-8563.

Christmas Presence

This year, members of Woodmont will deliver Christmas presence by serving and sharing a meal with neighbors in our community on Christmas day. Our goal is to share God's love and serve others on this day of celebration. Details are still being finalized, but you can contact Lisa Henderson at lisa.henderson.425@gmail.com if you'd like to join us or would just like some more information!

Are you experiencing the holiday blues?

The togetherness of Thanksgiving and the joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time. Help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you through the holidays and as long as your need persists. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by contacting StephenMinistry@woodmontcc.org or visiting Stephen Ministry – Woodmont Christian Church.

Youth Mom's Christmas brunch Dec. 15

The Youth Mom's Group will be having a Christmas Brunch while the youth have their Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM.

This group is for moms with youth ranging from 6th-12th grade, meeting once a month to talk about the ups and downs of raising teenagers. Bring a brunchy bite to share if you'd like, but as always, don't let that keep you from coming! The group will enjoy festive food and drinks over great conversations.

Questions? Contact Tammy Morgan at tammy@woodmontcc.org

Rachel Hester, the Executive Director of Room In The Inn, will be speaking at the Points of View Sunday school class this Sunday, Dec. 1, in Room 105.

The Points of View class is reading Kingdom of the Poor by Father Charles Strobel, who Rachel worked directly with and was involved in the founding of Room In The Inn.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Church calendar

Sunday, Dec. 1

First Sunday of Advent

9:00 AM Grace Notes Rehearsal, Kids' Commons

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

10:45 AM The Life Class, Bay Room

10:45 AM Reflections Class, Room 200

10:45 AM Connection Class, Room 232

10:45 AM Points of View Class, Room 105

5:00 PM Hanging of the Greens, Sanctuary

6:00 PM The Tasting Party, Drowota Hall

Monday, Dec. 2

3:00 PM "Geezers" Group, Boardroom

Tuesday, Dec. 3

10:00 AM CWF Board, Room 200

11:00 AM CWF Meeting, Carpenter Chapel

12:00 PM CWF Luncheon, Gathering Hall

6:30 PM Alateen (ages 12-19), South Hall

6:30 PM Parents Al-Anon Group, Room 105

8:00 PM AA Meeting, South Hall 

Wednesday, Dec. 4

6:00 AM Roy Stauffer’s Men’s Group, Room 105

7:00 AM Clay Stauffer’s Men’s Group, Boardroom

8:00 AM Men’s Bible Study, Room 105

6:00 PM GriefShare, Campbell West

6:00 PM DivorceCare, The Bary Room

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, Dec. 5

10:00 AM Sit & Stitch, Gathering Hall

1:00 PM Mahjong Group, Gathering Hall

5:30 PM Handbells Rehearsal, Choir Room

6:30 PM Andra Moran Virtual Vespers, Zoom

6:30 PM Nar-Anon, Room 105

8:00 PM AA Meeting, South Hall 

Friday, Dec. 6

Room In The Inn

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, Dec. 7

Room In The Inn

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall