Walk Thru Bethlehem is here!

It’s time once again for Walk Thru Bethlehem, Dec. 14th — Woodmont’s beloved Christmas gift to Nashville and Middle Tennessee, welcoming more than 5,000 visitors each year.

We have many opportunities to serve — both in costume and behind the scenes — as we bring the village of Bethlehem to life. Simply click the button below to get started. The SignUp Genius page will guide you through the process. If you have any questions about signing up, please contact Steve Smith at (615) 414-5899.

Ready to join in? Click here to sign up! 

If you are signing up for a costumed role, below are the costume pickup dates and times. Please sign out your costume early. The costume room will not be open on the day of WTB, Dec. 14. The costume room is in the church mansion. Look for directional signs to guide you.

Remaining WTB costume pick-up dates & times

• Wednesday, Nov. 12 — 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 16 — 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 23 — 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 30 — 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
• Wednesday, Dec. 3 — 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 7 — 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
• Saturday, Dec. 13 — 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon

Jon Meacham event moved to the sanctuary tomorrow

This year, we are moving our Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner up one week for a special event called “The Rise of Political Violence and How Christians Can Help Combat Polarization” with Jon Meacham & Clay Stauffer on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary with dinner beginning at 5:30 PM in the gym.

This event is being co-sponsored by Woodmont and Voices for a Safer Tennessee.

Hanging of the Greens is Sunday, Nov. 30

Our annual Hanging of the Greens service is Sunday, Nov. 30, 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.

This Sunday, Nov. 16, we will wind down our “Generations of Faith” capital campaign with our Commitment Sunday. We have laid out our vision for the future. I want to THANK everybody who has already made a commitment to move this vision forward. Our leaders are leading the way. This Sunday, we are asking our entire congregation to make a three-year commitment to support our vision for the coming years. It is now time to turn our vision into a reality. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and ongoing support of Woodmont. This vision will pave the way for future generations to grow in their faith and spread the love of Christ. If you haven't already, you can click here to make your pledge online. 

The world continues to feel chaotic in so many ways. The government has been shut down for many weeks with each party adamantly casting blame onto the other. Food assistance programs have been halted as a result of this. A young democratic socialist just shocked the New York political establishment by getting elected mayor of the world’s most capitalistic city. Affordability is clearly still a real problem for many working families and young people. Debates over immigration and ICE rage on. People argue over basic facts and where to go to find truth. It feels like every day, we get bombarded with news that alarms us and keeps us on edge. All of this brings fear and anxiety. Is it possible to become a non-anxious presence in the midst of all that is happening around us? I will talk about this on Sunday.  

Jesus famously said, “My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.” Becoming a non-anxious presence is important but requires intentional work. Non-anxious people understand the transforming power of forgiveness. All of us have been done wrong. Somebody has hurt us, offended us, disrespected us, or ignored us. We all have that in common. Jesus consistently taught forgiveness. Christians are good at talking about forgiveness but struggle to actually forgive. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget, but it does mean that you let it go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you set yourself up to be hurt again, but that you put your hurt in the past and move on. Forgiveness is not always easy but is always necessary. Some would call it a recipe for survival.  

Non-anxious people realize they can’t control everything in life. Duke theologian Stanley Hauerwas, in The Peaceable Kingdom, says: “Our need to be in control is the basis for the violence of our lives. For since our ‘control’ and ‘power’ cannot help but be built on an insufficient basis, we must use force to maintain the illusion that we are in control.”

Some things in life are controllable but many more things are out of our control. We must accept that reality. Non-anxious people do not get sucked into unnecessary conflict with non-peaceful people. It always takes two to fight. If somebody is combative, manipulative, or passive-aggressive and you get tangled up with them, you then have to play by their rules or you will lose. Many times walking away is a much better option if possible. Jesus said turn the other cheek, go the extra mile. Non-anxious people have also learned to be fully present in the moment.

Somebody once asked a Zen Master what monks do, and he responded by saying, “We sit, we walk, we eat.” The person then replied, “Well, I also sit, walk, and eat, and I’m not a monk!” To which the Zen Master replied, “Yes, but when we sit, we know we are sitting. When we walk, we know we are walking. When we eat, we know we are eating.”  

We have now mastered the challenge of multitasking with the help of technology and smartphones, but in the process, we have forgotten how to enjoy the moment and live in the present. Perhaps most importantly, non-anxious people have found peace with themselves. Those who are most combative, angry, and aggressive are almost always those who are not at peace with themselves, so they project it onto everybody else. Which begs the question, “How do we make peace with ourselves?” It starts with prayer, forgiveness, acceptance, balance, and cultivating gratitude, which is a lifelong endeavor. Inner peace will never be possible if fear pervades and we are at war in our own heart.

Our world needs more people who can live non-anxiously and not overreact. How can we make a firm commitment to deepening our faith and become one of those people?

Blessings,

Watch "Generations of Faith" video

It's an exciting time at Woodmont and we're throwing a spotlight on the key features of our new Family Life Center in a new video! Click the image above to watch and click the button below to make your pledge.

Campaign FAQ

What is the total cost of this campaign? The preliminary estimate is 21.5 million dollars.

How long will the campaign last? It will be a three-year campaign that can be spread out over four tax years (2025-2028).

Have lead gifts been established? Yes, we have raised a significant number of lead gifts to move us towards this goal. This was necessary to kick off the campaign.

Does my operating gift go towards the campaign? No, the capital campaign is separate. Typically people give to the stewardship campaigns out of their income and to the capital out of their assets.

When do we anticipate construction beginning? We are hoping to break ground in the early summer of 2026.

How long will it take to complete the project? We anticipate between 12 to 15 months of construction.

What will happen to the programs now held at Campbell West? They will have to be moved to the new building, the existing building, or up to South Hall. Those program details are being discussed and worked out.

Didn’t we just do a capital campaign? Yes, we completed Carpenter Chapel, Johnson Commons, and the expanded children’s space in 2021. We have filled that up and now need additional space to be able to continue growing.

Can we expand the sanctuary? Unfortunately no. It is an Edwin Keeble design that is a southern classic. It is very difficult to expand our sanctuary without changing the architectural integrity.

Are we going to renovate the existing space? Yes, the property committee has come up with a list of improvements and priorities for the existing space that will be funded by property reserve accounts. The campaign is more focused on new space.

Christmas Eve schedule

• 2 PM - Napkin Nativity service (younger children) in the sanctuary

• 3 PM - Napkin Nativity service (younger children) in the sanctuary

• 5 PM - Children (older children) & youth service in the sanctuary

• 5 PM - Contemporary service in the chapel

• 7 PM - Traditional service in the sanctuary

• 9 PM - Traditional service in the sanctuary

Child dedications

Sunday, Nov. 9 • Photos by Matt Diffenderfer

Norma Blake Rich, daughter of Tate & Nicole

Hugh Montgomery Queener, son of Rob & Chloe

Lainey Saunders Lynch, daughter of Daniel & Millie

Palmer Marjorie Dale, daughter of Andy & Paige

Margaret Ann Ramsey, daughter of Scott & Alyssa

Luke Shepherd Moser, son of Matt & Rachael

Rees May Burch, daughter of John & Tracy

This Sunday, Nov. 16: "Being Non-Anxious & Trusting God"

Clay Stauffer • “Embracing the Future” series • Matthew 5:13-16, 7:7-11 & • Philippians 3:12-16

Our schedule for this Sunday is:

• 8:00 AM – Continental breakfast in the gym
• 9:30 AM – Informal service in the sanctuary
• 9:30 AM – Middle school service in the youth lounge
• 9:40 AM – The Bridge service in the chapel
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary
• 4:00 PM – Youth group in the youth room

Join us for one of the most joyful and heartwarming traditions of the season — Christmas caroling! Now in its third year, this fun, family-friendly ministry brings peace, joy, love, and hope to those on our church’s cares list. 

Carolers will go out in 2-hour blocks on Dec. 7 and Dec. 21. You can form your own group or be paired with others — it’s a wonderful way to meet new people and share the spirit of Advent. You’ll quickly discover you receive even more than you give! 

To join, email Lauren Lucas at christmascarolingwcc@gmail.com

Room In The Inn signup

Woodmont is serving unhoused people once again this winter season through our partnership with Room In The Inn. Each Friday night from November to March, we serve people in need. Signups are going well, but there are still plenty of opportunities to provide meals or stay overnight with our guests.

Please consider helping with this important ministry! Several upcoming Fridays have open slot and you can click the button below.

Angel Tree signup

There are still about 30 Fannie Battle family members who could use some help this Christmas! 

Click here to sign up for our Angel Tree for Fannie Battle Day Home.

Full details are available by the tree in the Gathering Hall and the one outside the Chapel, on the SignUp Genius, and on Woodmont’s website. Gifts are due by the Gathering Hall tree no later than Sunday, Nov. 30, at noon, which is Thanksgiving weekend. Please plan accordingly.

We will deliver gifts to Fannie Battle on Monday, Dec. 1. To help with load-up/delivery that morning, contact Tracy Crawford (615-294-4157) or Ann Wiles (202-607-4159). 

Heart for Africa ornament sale Sunday

Heart for Africa is a faith-based humanitarian organization that focuses on bringing hope to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Africa in the areas of Hunger, Orphans, Poverty and Education.

• Eswatini has a population of 950,000

• It has a negative growth rate of 4.5%

• Approximately 200,000 orphans

• Highest HIV per capita in the world

Please consider supporting Heart for Africa’s approximately 440 children by purchasing ornaments made by HFA’s Project Canaan‘s Khutsala Artisans. This year’s featured ornament is a gnome. Ornaments are $12 and are on sale this Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Gathering Hall between services.

Boy Scout wreath sale Sunday

Boy Scout Troop 92 will be selling wreaths after service this Sunday and next, Nov. 16 and 23. They are 24 inches in diameter and will have a large red bow. The cost is $40 and pick up will be after church on Sunday, Nov. 30. The troop is grateful for your support!

Prison ministry toothbrush drive

Our congregation’s prison ministry has just received a unique opportunity to serve imprisoned men. With the simple gift of…. toothbrushes! It has been cleared by the prison system to bring gift boxes into Riverbend over the holidays. We’ve been asked if we could provide toothbrushes.

Prisoners are given a new toothbrush very infrequently; unbelievably, many have to make them last more than a year or two. A fresh toothbrush for them is more than just a breath of fresh air! It tells them someone they don’t know sees their need and responds. But we are working on a tight timeline. These have to be turned over by Dec. 3. 

We apologize for the short notice, but this is a great opportunity, as the Apostle Paul (and a Roman prisoner himself) said, to shine a little of the light of Christ in a very dark place. Perhaps this is a chance to get rid of all those toothbrushes from your last few dental appointments. Or to let children practice generosity with their allowances. Or a simple add to your next shopping list.

We are asked to purchase medium and firm bristles, not soft, since they don’t last as long, and need to be individually packaged.  Drop your gifts off in the boxes marked "Toothbrushes" outside the sanctuary and chapel. 

Youth Mom's Group Nov. 23

The Youth Mom's Group would love for you to join them on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Campbell West. This group is for moms with youth ranging from 6th to 12th grade who meet once a month to talk about the ups and downs of raising teenagers. For more info or to RSVP, contact Tammy Morgan at tammy@woodmontcc.org

Meet your 2025 Walk Thru Bethlehem committee!

Our dedicated volunteer team is working extremely hard to bring this immersive experience to Nashville and communities beyond. This is their labor of love for Woodmont. If you have any questions about anything, the team invites you to look for them at church in the coming weeks to help you get plugged in!

(Not pictured: Anne Trainer, Ellen Thomas, & Lynn Moll)

"Grounded in Gratitude" - November at The Center for Hope & Healing

This month’s Midweek Reset is centered on gratitude, happening every Wednesday from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at Campbell West. Open to everyone who is looking for conversation, coffee, and contemplative practices to ground you in gratitude!

• Nov. 12 – Sound Healing with Mary Clare
• Nov. 19 – Emily Lex Watercolor with Vicki – no talent required!

The team looks forward to seeing you! Click the button below to register.

Hal Hassall at GEMS Nov. 18

Hal Hassall will be speaking on "Biblical Apocrypha — The Lost or Rejected Writings" on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 11:00 AM in Room 200.

Hal is a retired marketing executive with a passion for history, theology, and teaching. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, is a certified Tennessee Naturalist, and serves as board president of the Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge in Paris, TN.

You'll be introduced to apocryphal writings from the Old and New Testament periods. Depending on one's orthodoxy, these can be benign and helpful in Christian formation or spurious and better left on the cutting-room floor. You'll learn what you didn't know, you didn't know, and draw your own conclusions through lecture and Q & A.

How has your year been so far? How deep are your wounds, how quick is your pace, how dry is your well? How excited or stressed do you feel when you hear someone throw out there that we are already in the last seven weeks of 2025?

I hear all the time in casual conversation and in deeper heart-to-heart talks with people the phrase, “I need a break!”. We push ourselves and then feel like we need to escape the schedule we’ve said yes to. We all have our own ways of getting that moment away too. Internally raise your hand if you’re familiar with one of these instant escapes: a bingeworthy TV show. An extra glass of wine or two. That friend who always has a great gossipy or entertaining story to pull you into. Scrolling through endless content on Instagram or Tik Tok. Shopping just to shop. Errands you forget why you’re running but it’s more comfortable than sitting in stillness. You can probably bring to mind a few more escapes we lean into when we feel that need for a break.

I was at a worship conference back in September. The pastor was preaching on Hebrews 12:1-3 and Hebrews 3:7-15 while I was scribbling notes as fast as I could. I’ve gone back to those notes several times since then and one thought I wrote down has continued to capture my attention. “Rest void of Jesus is NOT rest, it’s just a break.”

There is nothing wrong with a break. We can use it, we can enjoy it, we can escape into it and come back. And we do come back. A break takes us out and drops us right back in the middle where we were. Yes, we could all use a break but we don’t NEED a break. We need Jesus.

We were designed for stamina, for purposeful challenges, and endurance and fullness of life. With Jesus. We were designed to create and do good works and be in mission and then rest. With Jesus. Rest without Jesus is just a break. Rest without the clarity reviving, recharging, spark igniting reminder of the holiness of the God resting within our own temple, is not life-giving, it’s just a break from life.

As we enter this final stretch of the year, we have the gift of a few weeks centered around gratitude. Thankfulness is a spiritual practice. Remembering and recalling what the Lord has done and meditating on our blessings adds to the trust and joy we have in what God has for us next. What an amazing reminder of the way we should be resting all year long. Setting our minds and hearts on the Lord for a moment outside of our routine. Recalling and praising His goodness. Not escaping from our lives, but leaning in and trusting the very source of life. I encourage us all this month to examine ourselves when we desire a break from our schedules and our lives, and instead dive a little deeper into what we truly need.

Help provide healthy food to Fall-Hamilton Elementary students! 

West Glow Farm, owned by Woodmont members Jody and Mary Britton Cummings, has created a nonprofit community fund with an aim of partnering with Fall-Hamilton and other schools to provide fresh, locally sourced food to boost nutritional education year-round. The long-term goal is to teach children to grow, harvest, and prepare their own healthy food, and during summer months when school is not in session, partner with the school to maintain a community garden and provide food for children at nutritional risk when they're unable to access school breakfasts and lunches.

You can learn more or donate through the farm's nonprofit at https://givebutter.com/westglowfarm

Questions? Contact Mary Britton Cummings mbtc75@gmail.com or Sarah Drury sarahcampbelldrury@gmail.com.

Fall-Hamilton social worker, Lori Dunlap, says “In public education, we see daily the impact low/poor quality, highly processed food has on students' growing brains, behavior, and academic success. To be able to ensure our most vulnerable students and their families have access to locally grown amazing fruits, vegetables, meat, and more is truly a gift, not only to their stomachs but also to the health and success of the family as a whole. To be able to provide education to students and families on how to grow these foods on their porch, in the backyard, or in their community benefits them for years and generations to come.”

Turkey fundraiser closes Friday

Back by very popular demand, Burnt Offerings (Woodmont’s grilling ministry), is once again firing up the smokers for their annual Thanksgiving fundraiser! This year’s menu is 13–15 lb. smoked turkeys for $50.

Important: quantities are limited — 50 whole turkeys — and it’s first-come, first-served! Once the group reaches those numbers, they won’t be able to take additional orders. The order deadline is Friday, Nov. 14, at 5:00 PM.

Your turkey will be fully smoked, vacuum-sealed, frozen, and ready to reheat. Pickup dates are:

• Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | South Hall
• Sunday, Nov. 23 | 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Gathering Hall

Pickup time and location reminders will be emailed to you prior to pickup. Thawing and reheating instructions will be provided at pickup.

Payment options:



• Cash or check at pickup (make checks payable to Woodmont Christian Church, noting "Burnt Offerings" in the memo line)
• Via Realm: choose "Miscellaneous Payment" and type "Burnt Offerings Fundraiser" in the memo

All proceeds go to support our future mission and outreach projects, so you're not just treating yourself – you're making a difference!

Questions? Email wccburntofferings@gmail.com.

Treat yourself to a retreat

Give yourself the gift of a weekend away to beautiful St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center. With a gorgeous view from the bluff atop the Cumberland Plateau to the green Tennessee beauty below, St. Mary’s provides a place of deep rest and renewal. Beth Pattillo and Sandy Smith will lead the weekend of conversation and reflection around the theme, “Creating Holy Space.” The group will explore some ways to allow more God into their days and to build in times for connecting with God, ourselves, others, and creation.

All adults, male and female, are welcome. The retreat will begin with dinner on Friday, Feb. 27, and conclude with closing worship on Sunday, March 1. The total cost includes lodging in the new Anna House, meals, facilitation, and supplies:

• $500 in a double occupancy room
• $600 in a single occupancy room

Reserve your space with a $100 deposit. This event is part of the Center for Hope and Healing. Scholarships are available. Feel free to ask about scholarships or anything else. Reach out with any questions at sandy@sska.com or bethpattillocoaching@gmail.com.

Learn more at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sandyclingansmith/1908304

July - Oct. 2025 Quick Financial Summary

Church calendar

For a full list of everything happening at Woodmont, click the button below to view our church calendar.