New Nashville mayor Freddie O'Connell to speak at Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner

Our annual Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner is this Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 PM in the gym as new Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell discusses his priorities for the future of our city immediately following dinner.

Hanging of the Greens is Sunday, Dec. 3

Our annual Hanging of the Greens service is Sunday, Dec. 3, 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.

The Tasting Party is a special Christmas tradition at Woodmont where everyone brings a favorite holiday goodie to share with others. Punch and hot cider are provided. Bring your food to either the kitchen or to Drowota Hall before going to the sanctuary.

Sign up for Walk Thru Bethlehem

It's that time of the year! Signups for Walk Thru Bethlehem are now live on our website:

https://woodmontchristian.org/walk-thru-bethlehem/

This year's event is on Sunday, Dec. 10, at a new time of 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM. We once again have three shifts for each role and now is the time to grab yours! There are dozens of costumed roles to be filled, or consider being part of the "behind-the-scenes" crew that brings the village of Bethlehem to life.

I hope to see you Wednesday night, Nov. 15, at our All-church Thanksgiving Dinner. We will hear from Nashville’s newly elected Mayor Freddie O’Connell about his priorities for the city as well as some of the challenges that Nashville faces right now. All of us need to be aware of how the rapid growth of Nashville is impacting all of us in various ways. 

When we started the Philippians series, I asked individual people and groups what bothers them the most about our culture and the current state of society. I shared some of these responses on Sunday. The answers will vary but here are some of the most common responses that I hear:

• Everything is political and everybody wants to know which team you are on.
• Social media is out of control and is ruining many lives. People are so obsessed with posting about their lives that they forget to simply live their lives. Now, we can’t put that genie back in the bottle.
• The news media drives fear and division. Since the news cycle is 24 hours a day, the media tells you the news and what to think about what is happening.
• People are too selfish and self-centered, only thinking about themselves and their own interests. Whatever happened to service, sacrifice, and loving neighbor?
• Civility is gone. Lost are the days of disagreeing with somebody and still respecting them as a fellow human being.
• Christianity's influence is waning in our culture, but both Christians and non-Christians have contributed to the moral rot of society. In fact, Jesus wouldn’t recognize many of today's Christians.
• Fear and anxiety are out of control and are most evident in our children and their behavior.
• The growing gap between the haves and have-nots is driving crime and leading to all kinds of other problems.
• Alcohol and drug addiction is ruining marriages, families, and friendships. People become addicted while trying to cope with their pain.

How would you answer this question? What bothers you most about the times in which we are now living?

David Brooks has addressed many of these challenges in recent years. He has just published a new book titled How To Know a Person (Penguin Random House). Brooks is very concerned with division, polarization, the lack of moral leadership, and the way we treat one another in this culture. In his research for this book, he has traveled the country to listen and meet many different types of people from all walks of life. Brooks says, “There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen – to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood. Yet, we humans don’t do this well.” 

Brooks is right, but why is this the case, and how can we change it?

Most research now shows that joy, happiness, and meaning in life come from our relationships, but if our relationships are unhealthy, that is a big problem. Brooks says that we need to return to being able to do small and basic things well: “Disagreeing without poisoning the relationship; revealing vulnerability at the appropriate pace; being a good listener; knowing how to end a conversation gracefully; knowing how to ask for and offer forgiveness; knowing how to let someone down without breaking their heart; knowing how to sit with someone who is suffering; knowing how to host a gathering where everyone feels embraced; knowing how to see things from another point of view.” Most religious traditions teach these practices, but as our society has become much more secular, many of our young people are not learning these values.

We all play a role in restoring respect and dignity to our social networks and communities. More importantly, we must teach our young people the importance of moral leadership, civility, active listening, and character formation. Without these things, we will continue to be a culture that doesn’t respect differences, doesn’t affirm the basic humanity of others, and lets the fear and anxiety all around us set the tone for our interactions. All of this starts one relationship at a time.

This Sunday, Nov. 19: "Social Comparison vs. Authentic Gratitude"

Dr. Clay Stauffer

Luke 12:13-21 & Philippians 4:4-13

Our schedule this Sunday is:

• 8:30 AM – Continental breakfast in the gym
• 9:30 AM – Informal service in the sanctuary with livestream
• 9:40 AM – The Bridge service in the chapel with livestream
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary with livestream
• 4:00 PM – Youth "Friendsgiving," Youth Lounge
• 4:00 PM – Youth Moms' Group, Campbell West
• 5:30 PM – Youth Jubilation Rehearsal, Choir Room
• 5:30 PM – Youth Basketball, Drowota Hall

Order your Advent poinsettias

Each year during Advent, our sanctuary is beautifully appointed with poinsettias. Members may purchase poinsettias in honor or memory of family and friends. Poinsettias are in 6 1/2” foil-wrapped pots and $12 each.

The deadline to order is Nov. 29. After the 11:00 AM service on Dec. 10, you may take home your poinsettia to enjoy or give as a gift.

Angel Tree

Woodmont’s Angel Tree benefits Fannie Battle Day Home children and families. There are more than 30 children and parents still available on the signup to help this Christmas! Use the QR code on the tree or visit Angel Tree for Fannie Battle Day Home 2023. Full details on are the SignUp Genius.

Gifts are due by the Gathering Hall tree no later than Sunday, Nov. 26, at noon. Shop early! Contact Tracy Crawford (615-294-4157) or Ann Wiles (202-607-4159) for more information. 

Volunteers are needed to load the truck with Angel Tree gifts on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8:30 AM. Afterward, volunteers are needed to unload the truck at Fannie Battle and take gifts into the building. It’s a fun morning of helping others! Contact Tracy or Ann to join either the loading or unloading crew.

Last week to order Christmas wreaths

Our Boy Scout Troop is selling beautiful Christmas wreaths with a large red bow for $35 per wreath this Sunday, Nov. 19, in the Gathering Hall and chapel lobby. You can pick up your wreath from the new wing of the church next Sunday, Nov. 26. If you can’t pick yours up that day, the wreaths will be available in the church office during weekly office hours (Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM).

If you can't make it this Sunday, you can also click the button below to order yours quickly and conveniently online!

Heart for Africa ornament sale

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 400 children by purchasing ornaments made by their Khutsala Artisans at Project Canaan. This year’s featured ornament is this snowflake and it’s $12. All of the profits provide for the care of orphans and vulnerable children. Child sponsorship is available.

Ornaments will be available this weekend in the bookstore. Orders placed this past weekend will be available Dec. 3 in the Gathering Hall. Questions? Contact Mary Welsh Owen at mwowen1123@gmail.com or text (615) 598-0770.

Family Campfire & Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, Nov. 12 • Photos by Steve Lowry

New episode of "Two in a Pew" with Moriah Domby

App developer and entrepreneur, Shane Sniteman, joins Moriah this week for a great conversation in the pew all about seeing obstacles as opportunities. They cover Shane's journey from life as a musician booking gigs to becoming the business owner and developer of the unique app, STRUMN, which connects artists and venues in an innovative way. This conversation is sure to inspire any entrepreneur to think outside the box and use their past experiences to pave the way toward creative solutions. 

Watch or listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

This morning, as I held the mascara wand in my hand, I wondered aloud in the bathroom mirror, “I wonder why they call it makeup?” I suppose I hadn’t ever thought about it, which is odd, because I, like most people, use several grooming or cosmetic products every day.

The answer to my own question arrived quickly in my mind-- and it hit me in such a sad way. “Oh. These products make up for our flaws.”

And it’s true — that’s the function of makeup and grooming tools.  We can effectively cover the dark circles under our eyes, hiding the reality of not getting enough rest. We can color away the gray in our hair that comes from worry and, well, time.

Of course, I’d like to look as well-rested and ageless as the next person, but all this musing about makeup in the bathroom mirror found me reflecting on a common refrain in conversations I’ve had recently: people are looking for authenticity.

Everywhere I go, I feel this collective yearning for real-ness. Maybe instead of “making up” for our flaws with each other, we could take the first step towards authenticity by being vulnerable. After all, vulnerability can look like presenting our honest selves to one another with hope and trust that we can be lovingly received.

We humans feel the need to cover up a lot: Those honest yet unbecoming feelings of jealousy; our fears and insecurities; the frustration of something — or someone — deeply disappointing in our lives. Being human can be tough!

It’s hard to cover those big feelings — but isn’t it harder, still, to feel the loneliness that comes from wondering if anyone knows the real you?

Instead of making up for our flaws with coverage, maybe we work to find healing and growth to help us become more aligned with who we were made by God to be.

Here’s a quick practice we could try this week: in the morning as we get ready for each day, let’s try to see ourselves as God sees us: beloved. After all, there’s nothing any of us can do to make God love us any more or any less. Thanks be to God!

"Always We Begin Again" - Saturday, Jan. 6

If we take control of our lives, if we are intentional and careful in how we spend the hours of each irreplaceable day... we will create the best possible life. – John McQuiston II

Start your new year with a one-day retreat on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 9 AM to 3 PM, led by Sandy Smith, at Campbell West. As we start 2024, this retreat invites you to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year. What do you need to live life to the fullest?  Is there anything you need to "leave behind" to prepare for what is ahead? You'll leave better prepared to face the blessings and challenges of everyday life. 

The cost of the retreat is $75 and lunch is included. Scholarships are also available! You can reserve a spot by going to sandyclingansmith.com/events

Questions? Contact Sandy Smith at sandy@sska.com or (615) 414-5000.

Youth Moms' Group this Sunday

Typically meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM at Campbell West, our Youth Moms’ Small Group is a time for all moms with youth of sixth through twelfth grade to come and enjoy appetizers and drinks, talk about life, and talk about the ups and downs of raising teens. Contact Tammy Morgan for questions or more info tammy@woodmontcc.org

Middle school youth at Top Golf

Sunday, Nov. 5

Youth senior dinner

Thursday, Nov. 9

Walk Thru Bethlehem costume pickup

Walk Thru Bethlehem costumes may be picked up from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Nov. 19, Nov. 26, and Dec. 3, and also from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Nov. 15, Nov. 22, and Dec. 6. Our Walk Thru Bethlehem team asks that you please pick up your costumes only during these dates and times.

Book Club Nov. 21

The next meeting of our Book Club is Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 10:30 AM as the group discusses The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis in Room 100. All are welcome! Questions? Contact Betty Williams at byotwilliams@comcast.net

• Facilitated by Laura and Bryan Sargent
• Weekly meetings in January and February 2024
• 1 ½ hour in daytime for 6 weeks – day, time, and location at church TBD
• Deadline to register is Dec. 11

This small group will offer seniors an opportunity to meet weekly to reflect on their lives and share their wisdom. Each week, Laura and Bryan will propose a few questions, and the group will take these home and pick one that they want to answer in writing. The next week, each participant will share their answer. At the conclusion of the six weeks, each participant will choose the ones they feel are worth sharing with others and the group will compile a booklet of the “Words of Wisdom.”

The goal of this group is to create camaraderie and friendship on a deep level. Laura and Bryan's hope is that it will create new friendships and deeper bonds with one another, showing how much we as a faith community value the lives and wisdom of our elders.

Here are some sample questions:

• What is the best advice you received from your parents, grandparents, or mentors?
• Have you changed your mind about something you used to believe was true?
• How has your faith played a role in your life?
• What values do you want to pass on to future generations?

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, contact Laura at (615) 305-3805 or lchobson425@gmail.com or Bryan at (615) 426-3838 or bryansargent@aol.com

Members of our Heavenly Helpers group preparing materials for Walk Thru Bethlehem.

Members of our grilling ministry, Burnt Offerings, at our smoked turkey fundraiser to support Woodmont's outreach efforts.

Watch "Pressing On, Knowing Others, & Finding Peace"

Church calendar

Sunday, Nov. 19

8:30 AM Continental Breakfast, Drowota Hall

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

10:45 AM Pathways Class, Boardroom

10:45 AM Reflections Class, Room 200

10:45 AM Connection Class, Room 100

11:00 AM Points of View Class, Room 105

11:00 AM Apawstles Group, The Bay Room

4:00 PM Youth "Friendsgiving," Youth Lounge

4:00 PM Youth Moms' Group, Campbell West

5:30 PM Youth Jubilation Rehearsal, Choir Room

5:30 PM Youth Basketball, Drowota Hall

Monday, Nov. 20

11:00 AM Visitation Group, Bay Room

3:00 PM "Geezers," Boardroom

6:30 PM Leadership Woodmont, Campbell West

Tuesday, Nov. 21

10:30 AM Book Club, Room 100

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, Nov. 22

6:00 AM Men's Small Group, Room 105

7:00 AM Younger Men's Bible Study, Boardroom

8:00 AM "Original" Men's Bible Study, Room 105

6:00 PM GriefShare, Campbell West

6:00 PM DivorceCare, Bay Room

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, Nov. 23

Happy Thanksgiving! Church office and building closed for the holiday

Friday, Nov. 24 - Room In The Inn

Church office and building closed for the holiday

Saturday, Nov. 25 - Room In The Inn

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall