Clark Lea at Woodmont July 16

Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea will be in dialogue with Clay to discuss “Culture, Values, N.I.L., and the Landscape of College Football” on Wednesday, July 16, at 6:30 PM in Carpenter Chapel.

Lea has been the head football coach at Vanderbilt since 2021 after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame from 2018 to 2020. Vanderbilt's 2024 campaign marked one of the best turnarounds in the nation and resulted in a Birmingham Bowl victory. Among his accomplishments, Lea led the team to its first win over the nation’s #1 team in program history, its first win over an AP top-five team in program history, and its first time with wins over Alabama and Auburn in the same season since 1955. Lea’s defense was instrumental in the turnaround as the 'Dores held opponents to 23.4 points per game on the season, the lowest total by Vanderbilt since 2015 (21.0). 

Click the button below to RSVP!

Change to Summer Gospel Sing-Along on July 16

On Wednesday, July 16, our regular potluck dinner will be replaced by a catered dinner at 5:45 PM before Clark Lea speaks at 6:30 PM while our weekly gospel sing-along will be moving up to 5:00 PM for this one particular week.

Worship Night is July 22

Our monthly Worship Night is on Tuesday, July 22, at the new time of 6:30 PM in the chapel. This is a 30-minute, full-band, casual service meant to give you a midweek uplift and reset. Come for some encouragement, music, and fellowship! Questions? Contact moriah@woodmontcc.org

It has been absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastation from the weekend flooding in Texas and all the lives that have been lost. I have a good friend from college whose two daughters were at Camp Mystic. The younger one did not make it. These families are hurting and we need to keep all of them in our prayers.  We are establishing a Texas flood relief fund here at Woodmont and will decide how to best use the money to support the families and the rebuilding.  You can click here to make your contribution online: https://onrealm.org/WoodmontCC/give/DisasterRelief

This Sunday, July 13, we will celebrate the 82nd birthday of Woodmont. Our church was “planted” back in 1943 by key members of Vine Street Christian Church when it was located downtown. It was a bold, courageous decision at the time that led to generations of impactful mission and ministry. Over eight decades later, we see ongoing speculation and anxiety in our culture about the future of American Christianity and the role of the church in the coming years. What will faith look like ten, twenty, or thirty years from now? Why will some churches be forced to close their doors while others (in the same zip code) thrive and grow? 

All ministers and Christian leaders should think about these questions because the decisions we make NOW play a big role in shaping and molding the church of the future. These decisions will also determine whether we are able to reach our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the timeless values of Christianity. As we prepare to celebrate Woodmont’s birthday, I offer these twelve broad observations about the future of Christianity in our culture:

1) Denominational loyalty will continue to wane. There will be ongoing movement between Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, non-denominational etc. Christians will be more concerned about being a part of a community where they can connect and grow spiritually than simply maintaining family loyalties or membership to a particular denomination or congregation.

2) The words of Jesus will matter much more than creeds, doctrine, theologies, and hierarchies. Since the faith is built on Christ and his teachings, his words matter most. Christians need to know and reflect upon what he said and did and why it matters.

3) Churches will need to intentionally offer different styles of worship and music as well as a high-quality livestream. Healthy churches will recognize that not everybody worships the same way. Worship wars accomplish nothing. If your church is limited to one style or approach to worship, you are limiting your reach. Also, many people now look for churches online before attending in person.

4) Mission and outreach must be a priority and getting people involved in “hands on” mission will make all the difference. Writing checks is important but being hands on is transforming. The CEO who travels to Guatemala, Africa, or Appalachia will be changed and find incredible joy and purpose. A healthy church is always missional.

5) Small groups will continue to be the key to effective discipleship, relationships, and spiritual formation. New leaders must always be recruited and trained. If your group has dissolved or become stagnant, time to start another. This is where genuine connection happens, and life is lived.

6) Bold, visionary, and courageous leadership is essential. The churches that do well will have both pastors and lay leaders who are always looking ahead to the future, pushing the envelope, and are willing to try new things. The seven last words of the church are, “We’ve never done it that way before.” Innovation is key!

7) Hospitality and authenticity will be essential. Warm and welcoming churches that are authentic, energetic, and genuine will do well. Nobody wants to be ignored or shunned when they come to church.

8) The church must be a place where genuine healing takes place. Judgment always makes this difficult. There is a lot of pain and brokenness, and people need a place to heal and be honest. Recovery ministries, twelve-step programs, divorce care, grief care, counseling, and spiritual growth all matter.

9) Church communities must work to become welcome alternatives to the polarization, division, and incivility that is defining our culture. This does not mean everybody agrees on politics or social issues, but we must listen to each other and respect differences. If this does not happen, churches will simply mirror our polarized culture.

10) A consumer approach to Christianity (What can you do for me?) needs to be replaced with a servant form of Christianity (How can I serve?). One is self-centered, the other is selfless. One is inward-focused, the other is outward-focused.

11) Websites, podcasts, and blogs will be a way of getting people in the door but cannot replace authentic, face-to-face community. Technology is very important but has limits.  Many people are now lonelier than ever and starving for connection.

12) Experiencing God (a transformed heart) will be much more important than academic knowledge about God (head). Woodmont must continue to maintain the crucial balance between head and heart.

As we celebrate Woodmont’s 82 years this week, let’s all be thankful to the generations who have gone before us, and also be committed to the exciting future that God has in store! Our best days are yet to come! 

Happy 82nd Birthday, Woodmont!

Guatemala Day 1 & 2

July 6-7 • Photos by Nikki Alvarado

"Pain, Heartache, & the Church" this Sunday, July 13

Clay Stauffer • “Timeless Values in a Chaotic World” series • Matthew 16:13-20, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 

Our worship schedule this Sunday is:

• 9:30 AM – Informal service in the sanctuary
• 9:40 AM – The Bridge service in the chapel
• 9:40 AM – Middle school service in the youth room
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary

Intro to Woodmont August 3

If you’re new to Woodmont, then we want to see you at our next Intro to Woodmont luncheon on Sunday, August 3, at noon in the boardroom! This is a chance to meet with Clay and some of our leaders to learn more about Woodmont and if God is calling you to make this your church home. Lunch is served and you are warmly invited! Childcare is available with an RSVP to tammy@woodmontcc.org

Whenever I am getting ready to go on a trip, I make a packing list. I start with a list of the itinerary by day and what type of clothes and things I’ll need for each, then a master list of what to pack, followed by a list of what I already have, and a list of what I still need. Then comes the to-do list with subcategories. Very list-y. As a creative side of the brain type gal, daily list making has become a grounding practice to help me stay organized and one that I actually really enjoy.

With the years I spent on the road with music, I also trained myself to pack light, fold little, and take full advantage of packing cubes. It makes the unpacking way easier! Unpacking is where it’s at after all. That’s the good stuff. Unpacking really is the whole root of the reason for the packing in the first place. Packing starts with knowing what we want to have available to us when we need it.

Getting ready for my fourth mission trip to Guatemala this summer has been easier to prep for this time around. Knowing what I've packed in the past but didn't really use and what I was super grateful to have had with me on previous trips were key. Things like Dramamine, a lightweight zip-up, one versatile sundress or long skirt, protein bars, a notebook and a pen, and a healthy balance of high and no expectations so that I can be as present to whatever unfolds as possible.

This summer, you’ve probably already done at least one packing list so far of your own, but I propose another one. During this natural season of fun and rest, why not make a list of what you hope to fill yourself with this summer so that you’ll be able to pull from it later in the year?

Packing starts with unpacking. What do you want to have ready when you need it as the busyness of fall and the holidays approach? What spiritual tools, relationships, communication skills, or memories have you been grateful to have available to you to get you through? What type of things take up too much space and you know haven't served you well when you’ve unpacked them before? (heart saving tip: Go ahead and unpack those unserving things now and for good if you can).

Once you’ve made your list, start packing! If your list includes quality friendships, pick up the phone or carve out coffee dates with those friends who give you life. If it’s a stronger body, get outside this summer or in the gym or start a yoga class. If it’s having more scripture written on your heart, open your bible in the morning and start reading it. If it’s more presence with your family, soak up the sun, the rest, and the joy of the summer together, build those core memories and pack them into the cubbies of your heart. Start preparing now for what you hope to have with you later in the year.

Happy packing!

"Honor Thy Father & Mother As They Age" July 14-26

Older adults dread the day when they have to turn in the car keys, acknowledge their infirmity, or leave a family home behind. All of these transitions may be happening in your family right now. Older adults don’t want to become a burden on their children or others. They want a say-so on what’s to happen! Meanwhile, the children have legitimate concerns for their parents’ safety and well-being that need to be addressed.

Join host Ed Zinkiewicz for this two-week interactive course. Spend just an hour a day with Ed and discover what is coming and how your family can faithfully cope with these changes. 

Register at tinyurl.com/mpx7mvdx

Youth Mom's Summer Brunch July 20 from noon to 2 PM at Campbell West

The Youth Mom's Group is a group for moms with youth ranging from 6th-12th grade meeting once a month to talk about the ups and downs of raising teenagers.

This month the group would love for you to join them for a Summer Brunch on July 20 from noon to 2 PM at Campbell West to enjoy some brunchy bites and drinks while fellowshiping together. They would also like to encourage any new rising 6th-grade moms to join for fellowship as they begin getting connected into our youth program and building community with one another.

For more info or to RSVP, contact Tammy Morgan at tammy@woodmontcc.org

A new opportunity for women on the spiritual journey begins Aug. 4

“The Life Class” is moving to Mondays at 3:00 PM in order to offer a weekly gathering featuring a biblical topic and group discussion. Facilitated by Rev. Anne Stauffer and coordinated by Linda Roberts, founder and CEO of Private Edition, this promises to be a unique experience for fellowship and learning together! Soft launch begins August 4 at 3:00 PM with official beginning on Sept. 8 in Room 200.

New DivorceCare & GriefShare sessions begin Sept. 10

Be sure to reserve your spot if interested in either DivorceCare divorcecare.org/groups/262930 or GriefShare griefshare.org/groups/262944 or know someone to refer. Both groups will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6:00 PM.

Light Up Music City - Chi Rho

 Our middle school students serving all over our city during Light Up Music City back in June!

2025 summer reading list

 Recommendations from Woodmont's staff

Calendar

Sunday, July 13

9:00 AM Grace Notes Rehearsal, Kids' Commons

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

9:40 AM Middle School Service, Youth Room

10:45 AM The Life Class, Bay Room

10:45 AM Reflections Class, Room 200

10:45 AM Connection Class, Room 232

11:00 AM Points of View Class, Room 105

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Monday, July 14

3:00 PM "Geezers" Group, Boardroom

Tuesday, July 15

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, July 16

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

5:15 PM Gospel Sing-Along, Room 105

6:00 PM Potluck Supper, Drowota Hall

6:00 PM GriefShare, Campbell West

6:00 PM DivorceCare, The Bay Room

6:15 PM Disciples Women's Bible Study, Room 200

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

6:30 PM Clark Lea “Culture, Values, N.I.L., & the Landscape of College Football,” Carpenter Chapel

Thursday, July 17

10:00 AM Sit & Stitch, Gathering Hall

10:30 AM "Journey to the Heart" Women's Bible Study, Boardroom

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, July 18

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, July 19

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall