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.

Christmas Concert this Sunday

Woodmont is hosting a Christmas concert with the Chancel Choir, Grace Notes, and orchestra this Sunday at 5 PM 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!

Submit your leadership nominations for 2025

This year, we will nominate one treasurer, three board members, eight elders, and thirty-five deacons. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 31 and self-nominations are always welcome. We ask everyone at Woodmont to be thinking of leaders who are present, driven, invested, and care deeply about the mission of Woodmont.

Visit woodmontchristian.org/nominate to submit your nominations or email yours to amber@woodmontcc.org.

It was another incredible year at Walk Thru Bethlehem. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everybody who worked hard to make it happen! We always hear incredible feedback on this event and how impactful it was for so many people! 

We are now only two weeks away from Christmas. I have discovered that the Christmas season is much like life in general. There is a lot going on, and many plans are being made. There are a multitude of activities, parties, concerts, people to see, cards to send, and gifts to buy. We experience many emotions – joy, happiness, sadness, sorrow, loneliness, exhaustion, grief, fear, compassion, hope, peace – all mixed together. For those with small children who believe in Santa, Christmas can be magical, full of excitement and wonder. Yet for those who have lost a spouse or family member and find themselves grieving or alone, Christmas can be difficult – excruciatingly painful. Christmas is a time to reminisce, to take a stroll down memory lane. We remember Christmases growing up, when our kids were young, when our parents were alive, when life seemed simpler. We think of friends who have come and gone and wonder what they are doing now. 

The truth is, many of us live our lives the exact same way that we go through the Christmas season – very busy, very tired, stressed out, rushing around, distracted, in a hurry, not slowing down, not being quiet… and then we miss it. We turn around and we have missed it! Children have grown up and moved away. They’ve married and started their own families. Grandchildren are born. Parents have aged and maybe even passed on. Relationships have drifted apart. Christmas reminds us that life is full of change and it presses forward whether we want it to or not. So if you’re not careful you’ll miss it. But one truth remains. Whatever emotions you might be experiencing this Christmas, whatever has happened this year for good or bad, it is still possible to find joy.

Joy is different from happiness. Everybody wants to be happy but nobody is happy all the time. Joy is much deeper, more meaningful, and it resonates in the depths of our soul. Joy involves the acceptance of life the way it is, flaws, disappointments, and all. And joy can come when we least expect it. There are many things that try to stand in the way of joy – stress, worry, pain, fear, envy, anger, selfishness, loneliness, addiction. But these are simply human realities, obstacles that we must face and overcome. We must learn to find joy in the ordinary, basic things. 

Stanley Hauerwas says it well in The Peaceable Kingdom, “The most remarkable aspect of learning to live joyfully is that we learn to see the simple and most common aspects of our existence, such as our friends, our spouses, our children, as sheer gifts to which we have no right but who are nonetheless present to us.” 

Joy and inner peace go hand in hand. Nobody ever said that finding joy is easy. But in a world of constant noise, breaking news, never-ending distractions, anger, and discontentment, we need to experience something different. 

The famous carol says, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” Yes, it’s a weary world, but we stand ready to rejoice. It’s still not too late to find joy this Christmas. It will only come when you are fully present with the people that you love and when you open your heart to the presence and mystery of God.

"What Brings You Joy at Christmas?" this Sunday, Dec. 15

Advent week 3 - "Joy"

Clay Stauffer

Micah 4:1-4 & Luke 2:1-20

"The Wonder of Christmas" series

Our schedule this Sunday is:

• 8:30 AM – Continental 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
• 12:15 PM – Youth Christmas parties & Youth Mom's Christmas Brunch
• 5:00 PM – Christmas Concert in the sanctuary

Walk Thru Bethlehem late shift

Sunday, Dec. 8 • Photos by Amber Beckham

Hello Woodmont! It is an honor to be hopping on staff as the new Middle School Director! I appreciate the warm welcome :)

Since I was in middle school myself, I have been beckoned by the weight of the word "purpose." We all have breathe in our lungs... I have a name, passions, and preferences. Why? Before I truly understood the depth of the Lord's love for me and His divine intention for my life, I would frequently spiral into traps of identity. I was haunted by the mirror that reflected all my insecurities and failures right back at me. "Not enough" would echo until my soul went quiet.

I, as a person, feel deeply. Still do. Enneagram type 4 if you know what I mean.

Those years pierced my spirit and forced my knees to hit the ground in complete surrender in front of a God who might have the answer to the peace I had always heard about. And He did. He still does.

The peace, the joy, the strength, the hope, and the confidence that the Lord has continuously deposited into my soul is the reason I am here at Woodmont, and the reason Youth ministry catches my heart. It is too good not to share.

My soul is all about chasing down the lost, the hopeless, the ones who look in the mirror and see "not enough." Middle school and high school is a wild time of mental, emotional, and spiritual development… and to be a speck of encouragement to students is a great honor. I plan not only to intercede and point them away from the societal expectations that are screaming and demanding their attention, but to lead them to the peaceful, wonderful, REAL feet of Jesus. The feet of Jesus is the best place to be.

I am excited to meet more faces and shake more hands, and if you have any interest in joining alongside me and bringing the Kingdom down for young people… the more the merrier. Please reach out if you feel like you have the margin to host a small group, to commit to praying for kids, to attend Sunday programming.

It is a gift to share the Gospel to these students.

Practicing the Way

Join The Connection Class in January and February for a conversation around John Mark Comer’s recent book, Practicing the Way.

Led by Woodmont’s Executive Pastor, Jay Hutchens, the class will discuss:

• What does it mean to “Be with Jesus?”

• How we are formed in faith to look like Jesus

• How can we develop a personal “Rule for life?”

• What does it mean for Christians to “Take up their cross?”

The Connection Class is the perfect starting place for visitors and new members to meet others at Woodmont and find community!

For more information or to register, contact Jay at jayhutchens@woodmontcc.org

The Connection Class meets on Sunday mornings from 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM in Room 232 (directly across from the large youth room).

Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who worked Walk Thru Bethlehem setup week! Your time, efforts, energy, and prayers were all needed and we are incredibly grateful for each of you:

The WTB committee

The Kitchen Crew

All who provided food

The custodial staff

The administrative staff

WTB volunteer builders

Costume designers and wardrobe dressers

Security shepherds

All of our Woodmont volunteers!

Clay's Vanderbilt class featured on NewsChannel 5

On the final day of class this semester, NewsChannel 5 brought their cameras to Clay's moral leadership class at Vanderbilt University as his students addressed the question, "What makes life meaningful?"

Click the button below to read the story and watch the video!

NEW WOMEN'S WEEKLY SMALL GROUP!

Thursdays, from 10:00 AM to noon in Room 200

Journey to the Heart Women’s Bible Study led by Kathy Gibson and Char Hummel. This group will discuss “What Does It Mean to Live for Christ? A Study of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.”

The group's first meeting is Thursday, Jan. 9, at 10:00 AM in Room 200.

Questions? Contact Char Hummel at charhummel@icloud.com

LAUNCH PAD PARENTS!

Have your children recently left home or gone off to college? Are you in the "empty-nest" season of life?

This group is for you!

• MEET other parents from Woodmont like yourself.
• EXPERIENCE some GREAT food and fellowship.
• HEAR occasional speakers on navigating this new time of life.
• ENJOY meaningful conversation!

Information gathering on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at

Campbell West (the former parsonage house behind the church).

The hosts will provide the food and drinks! Just come and find out more!

Contact Crystal Rody-Braun at crystalrbraun1@gmail.com

or Elizabeth Williams at erwinwilliams@icloud.com to RSVP or for more info!

SMALL GROUP LEADER MINI-WORKSHOP!

Led by Jay Hutchens and Tammy Morgan, this group is designed for anyone wanting to lead a small group at Woodmont or just wanting to develop their skills as a leader!

Monday, Jan. 13, from 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM in Room 105

The group will cover:

• How do I figure out my topic? And where do I find resources?
• What’s the best way to recruit new people to my group?
• Should we meet monthly or weekly?
• What format works best?
• What’s the best way to keep my group connected and informed?
• And much more!

We’ll also unveil a new website designed to resource Woodmont small group leaders with all the info they need to successfully lead their group!

To RSVP or for more information, contact Jay Hutchens at jayhutchens@woodmontcc.org or Tammy Morgan at tammy@woodmontcc.org.

Youth Mom's Christmas brunch this Sunday

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.

Gifts & volunteers needed for Fall-Hamilton holiday gift shop

As you do your Christmas shopping, please remember a child at Fall-Hamilton Elementary, our adopted school! Their holiday gift shop is Friday, Dec. 13. Items may be dropped off at the school - 510 Wedgewood Ave. - by Dec. 10 or contact Denise Sesler or Sarah Drury for pickup/meetup arrangements. 

We also need volunteers to help set up the Gift Shop Dec. 10-12 and gift wrappers and personal shoppers to help the students shop for their families on Friday, Dec. 13. Kids can help too if they are with a parent! Sign up here for a shift: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B48ADA92CAB9-52897306-2024#/

Items requested (Preferably new or like new):

• Small toys: dolls, stuffed animals, cars, action figures 
• Board Games and Card Games, Flash Cards
• New/unopened bath gift items (lotions, perfume, body sprays)
• Home & Holiday Decor 
• Sports Equipment/gear
• New Winter Items (mittens, hats, socks, scarves for men/women/children) 
• For wrapping gifts: gift bags of all sizes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, tape

sarahcampbelldrury@gmail.com 

615-812-6096

denisesesler@comcast.net

615-480-9085

Christmas Presence

Woodmont members will have an opportunity to be a "Christmas presence" on Christmas morning! We are looking for a few volunteers of all ages willing to spread some joy and help serve brunch to 200 men returning that morning from Room In the Inn. The Woodmont group will assist from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at RITI's headquarters located at 705 Drexel Street. For more information or to sign up, contact Lisa Henderson at lisa.henderson.425@gmail.com

Next G.E.M.S. is Dec. 17

Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - the true meaning of Christmas -at our next G.E.M.S. meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 11:30 AM in Room 200.

Dr. Roy Stauffer will bring a special Christmas message as the group sings Christmas hymns led by Sarah Huffman and Bill Lauderdale. This will be a joyful time to be together. 

Roy Stauffer is a third-generation Disciples of Christ minister. He spent 35 years as senior minister of Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis and received his undergraduate degree from Transylvania College majoring in Religion and Philosophy as well as English and Education. Roy earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Vanderbilt. At Woodmont, he serves as Minister to Older Adults. He and his wife Anne, who is an ordained minister, teacher, author, and therapist, together have six children and seven grandchildren. Roy is active with G.E.M.S. and very supportive.

Homeless Education Resource Office supporting children & youth this holiday season

The Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO) works to provide necessary resources, support, and referrals to help homeless children and youth be successful in school and have a positive school experience. Services offered may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assistance with the school enrollment process and paperwork
• Help with school issues, questions, or concerns
• Housing and community resource information
• Obtaining birth certificates, immunization records, and school records
• Parent education sessions and workshops
• Referrals for dental, medical, and mental health services
• School supplies and backpacks
• Second Harvest food boxes and additional assistance through the HERO Pantry
• School uniforms (where required) and shoes
• Transportation to school and school-related events/activities

Additionally, Unicycle provides school clothing to students in need within the MNPS system by collecting gently-used items in schools and distributing them at the school level and through a partnership with the HERO Program.

Ways to support the HERO program and UniCycle this Holiday Season:

• The Giving Machine – from Dec. 6 to Dec. 15, these big, red “vending machines with a heart” will be located at 231 Public Square in downtown Franklin providing a fun, event-worthy way to give to local nonprofits – including the HERO Program and UniCycle this year! Make it an outing, and tag them @unicycle.nashville if you go! More details here.

• Columbia Sportswear – who needs a new coat, some Christmas gifts, or new ski gear? The Columbia Sportswear store in Brentwood is giving 10% of sales back to UniCycle/HERO from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22. Everyone wins! (Stop at the new Crema next door after you shop!)

Woodmont’s Lady Llamas open the church league basketball season with a 16-10 win!

Editor's note: this article is republished from this year's Advent devotional booklet.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

- Romans 12:18

Romans 12:18 tells us that some people may be unwilling to reconcile or may actively seek conflict, but it is our personal responsibility to take the initiative to pursue Peace. We are called to forgive, compromise, and take the first step towards reconciliation. By striving to live peaceably with everyone, we are following the example of Jesus Christ and reflecting the love of God to the world.

Advent is a busy time of year when stress makes “living at peace with everyone” difficult. I look to these Christ-like actions as I try to pursue Jesus’ path to Peace:

• Be Proactive: Take initiative to resolve conflict.

• Be Forgiving: Let go of resentment and anger.

• Be Patient: Building relationships takes time.

• Be Humble: Acknowledge my own faults and be willing to apologize.

• Pray for Self and Others: Seek God’s guidance and intervention in difficult situations.

As Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at. Do it for Peace.”

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us live peacefully with one another as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Grant us strength to forgive those who wronged us, just as You have forgiven us. Teach us patience and humility so we may see others through Your eyes and serve with a selfless spirit. Lord, Bless us with Your Peace, healing, and hope this Christmas.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

How do we protect teens — this “anxious generation”— in an online world?

Teens and young adults face unprecedented mental health challenges, making community solidarity around online health and safety essential.

The Tennessee Symposium for Online Health and Safety will provide students, parents, and educators with the latest research, strategies to build community consensus, and tools to create online guardrails that help adolescents thrive.

On Monday, Jan. 27, at 4:30 PM at Allen Arena at Lipscomb University, you're invited to hear from a group of experts as they engage in this important conversation. Students in 5th grade and older are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Go to tnsymposium.com to secure tickets.

Clay on Issues of Faith

Clay recently sat down with Ben Hall on NewsChannel 5's Issues of Faith to talk about gratitude, our digital age, the election season, and Walk Thru Bethlehem. If you missed it last week, click the button below to watch!

Church calendar

Sunday, Dec. 15

Third 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

12:15 PM Youth Christmas Parties

12:15 PM Youth Mom's Christmas Brunch, Campbell West

5:00 PM Christmas Concert, Sanctuary

Monday, Dec. 16

11:30 AM Visitation Group, Bay Room

3:00 PM "Geezers" Group, Boardroom

5:30 PM Racial Bridges, Room 200

Tuesday, Dec. 17

10:30 AM Book Club, Room 100

11:30 AM G.E.M.S., Room 200

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. 18

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

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, Dec. 19

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. 20

Room In The Inn

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, Dec. 21

Room In The Inn

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Room 105