Fall Family Night this Sunday, Sept. 29

Fall Family Night is this Sunday, Sept. 29, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and we’re getting ready for a fun night to gather, eat, and have fellowship with one another! Please click the button below to RSVP at so that we make sure to have enough food for everyone!

Intro to Woodmont is Sunday, Oct. 6

If you’re new to Woodmont, then we want to see you at our next Intro to Woodmont luncheon on Sunday, Oct. 6, 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.

Trunk or Treat now at 3 PM on Oct. 27

Due to the Fisk Jubilee Singers coming on Sunday, Oct. 27, we are moving Trunk or Treat forward an hour to 3 PM instead of the 4 PM time originally on the calendar. Mark your calendar now for that change!

This week, we will welcome Vanderbilt political science professors Dr. John Geer and Dr. John Sides for our “Faith, Values, and the Public Square” series. They will be talking about the current state of American politics and some specific issues present in this presidential election. These conversations are focused on civil dialogue and education. You may not agree with everything that is said, but that’s OK. Woodmont is a church where we are willing to discuss these topics. 

Next Wednesday, Oct. 2, we will be joined by Senator Bill First. These talks begin at 6:15 PM in Carpenter Chapel. 

Rabbi Harold Kushner once wrote a powerful book titled Overcoming Life’s Disappointments. The book is based on the story of Moses, a pivotal figure in the Hebrew Bible. We can learn a great deal from Moses’ life and the many disappointments he had to face when leading the Israelites through the wilderness. He persevered and pressed forward despite ongoing setbacks, inconveniences, and frustrations. Kushner asks, “What if we could be like Moses in our ability to overcome disappointments, frustrations, and the denial of our dreams? What if we could learn from Moses how to respond to disappointment with faith in ourselves and in our future and to respond to heartbreak with wisdom instead of bitterness and depression?”  

Many of the disappointments that we face in life seem to fall into three basic categories. The first is tied to relationships. We often learn at an early age that people will let us down. We get our hearts broken. We pour out our feelings for somebody only to find out they don’t feel the same way. We want to become friends with somebody but discover they don’t have time for us. Marriages don’t work out, and people who never considered divorce go through that very painful, life-altering process. Some who go into marriage thinking everything will be perfect become disillusioned when they discover that no marriage is perfect. Relationships take work, sacrifice, and effort at every stage of the game. Children disappoint their parents with the decisions they make. Then at later stages of life, children get disappointed when they discover the flaws and shortcomings of their own parents. Political candidates let us down. Friends seem absent when we need them most. 

Second, disappointment is often tied to money and success. Some feel they should be further along their career path than they are and that they deserve to make more money than they do. Some are unfulfilled in their jobs going through the motions every day to make a living while looking around and seeing that everybody else seems to have a better life. Social media has led us into a dangerous age of constant comparison that often leads to envy and resentment. 

The third area of disappointment revolves around our health. We see pictures of ourselves when we were younger and thinner and wonder, “What happened?” It’s hard to keep weight off. Our bodies start to ache and give out on us, and we get frustrated. We can’t do the things we used to do. Then, we face medical challenges – some that we can control, but many that we can’t.

The human condition involves the existential reality of disappointment. It is inevitable. We all experience it. Some will experience more disappointment than others but we all experience it on a regular basis. Managing expectations is very important. The question is “How do we deal with it and how do we overcome it?” Gratitude is essential. Mindset always matters. So do resilience and forgiveness.

At the end of the book, Rabbi Kushner says, “If you have been brave enough to love, and sometimes you won and sometimes you lost; if you have cared enough to try, and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t; if you have been bold enough to dream with some that come true and some that don’t – then you, like Moses, can realize how full your life has been and how richly you are blessed.” 

Life is not judged by the number of times we get knocked down, but by how many times we get back up and keep going. If you look around, you will see people everywhere who need encouragement and love.  

Habitat build weekend 1

Sept. 7 & 8

This Sunday, Sept. 29

Clay Stauffer

"When Life Isn't Fair"

Matthew 20:1-16

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
• 4:00 PM – Fall Family Night at Campbell West

Welcome, new members!

Murray & Andrew Dick, joined Sept. 15

Tennessee Langston, joined Aug. 18

Richard Tomlin, joined Aug. 18

John Sides & John Geer at Woodmont tomorrow

This Wednesday, Sept. 25, we are welcoming Dr. John Sides & Dr. John Geer, political science professors at Vanderbilt University, to speak on “Civility, American Politics, & the 2024 Election” for part three of our faith and values series.

Our remaining dates in this series are:

Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Senator Bill Frist, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader – “Life After the Senate: Priorities that Matter to All Americans”

Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Rev. Jay Hutchens, Dr. Clay Stauffer, Dr. Rubel Shelly, & Dr. Mike Glenn – “Being Christian in an Election Year”

Habitat build weekend 2

Sept. 14 & 15

Nothing like your first earthquake, to wake you up to what truly matters! A week ago, I was in California for a prayer and worship retreat entitled, Ascending in Faith. The lead speakers were Bob Goff, and Sadie Robertson Huff with Chris Tomlin leading over 5,000 of us in worship. I was ecstatic for the coming weekend!

It was 7:30 AM on my first morning in California. I was enjoying a delicious cup of coffee when I heard this strange rumble sound and then suddenly the earth shook frighteningly beneath my feet. A poor guy (his first earthquake too!) ran out of his hotel room in his boxers terrified by the Category 5 surprise. Immediately, every phone in a 50-mile square radius was going off with emergency warning alarms. Once the hotel confirmed that we were safe, I was overcome with awe. Mother Earth is this magnificent living, breathing, wondrous being which we have little authority over. I felt the earthquake shudder through my whole body, and later it would send silent “aftershocks” through my soul. We just never know what tomorrow holds. Am I living a life rich in the things that matter?

A couple of weeks ago, our Sunday scripture was the parable of the rich man from the Gospel of Luke. It also sent a shock through me. By the world’s measure, this man had more than made it! We watch him building bigger barns to contain his earthly wealth. But then Jesus sends him an “earthquake” wake-up call. “You fool,” he says, “This very night your soul will be demanded of you.”

Emily Dickinson’s “grab-you-by-the-collar,” poem sends its own shockwave: “Because I could not stop for death, He kindly stopped for me.” The truth is we have no control over earthquakes or the number of our days here. I find comfort in Father Thomas Keating’s affirmation, “It is never too late to start the spiritual journey or start over, and it’s worth starting over any number of times.” The life of faith will always be a work in progress. In that spirit, I started a list of actionable ways I could move closer to a life “rich in God.”

1.   Nature every day. Its beauty is a curative for the soul and helps put our human lives in perspective. This is where Jesus experienced God most profoundly; where heaven broke through.

2.   Pray with words and actions. I am drawn to an expanded definition and experience of prayer. Jesus tells us to close our eyes and bare our souls to God. But prayer is also accomplished (as Jesus demonstrated) by how we move in the world, engage with people, and the natural world. This is called “lived prayer.”

3.   Break a sweat in your body (we are given one temple for God to abide in), in meaningful work, and in doing kindnesses toward other people.

4.   Make interior peace a priority. More quiet, more no's, and less screens. What our world needs right now is peace-filled and directed people.

5.   Relationships matter. They are our legacy. We must become proficient in seeing first the good in others and in our ability to forgive (and receive forgiveness).

6.   Commit to doing one thing larger than yourself every single day. Jesus was always focused outside of himself.

7.   Know the Bible so it’s top of heart. When you are lost, this is where you go. When you are afraid, this is where you go. When you feel stuck, need inspiration and authentic hope, this is where you go.

8.   Bless people. No special degrees or powers are required. Bless people by speaking encouraging words over them, but also by your presence. People should be better for having crossed your path.

9.   Overcommunicate gratitude to the people you do life with, to strangers who show you kindness, and especially to God who not only gifted you with your one precious life but daily sustains it.

This is a start! The goal is a life that feels good from the inside out and honors the breath of God within us.

I hope you have a blessed week!

Love,

-Farrell

House of Hope build Oct. 12

We will officially be building our next home on Oct. 12 in the South Hall parking lot at 8:00 AM!

For those of you that may not know about this outreach program, we build a house's walls, both interior and exterior, in our parking lot and move them by a semi-trailer to an area that has suffered a recent disaster.

This home will be going to Rolling Fork Mississippi. On March 24, 2023, a tornado with wind speed of 195 mph struck the city. Over 1/3 of the homes were destroyed, as well as the water tower and many of the municipal buildings. Worst of all, 17 people died and over 165 people were injured. The community is still grappling with this disaster emotionally as well as physically.

Anytime a disaster occurs, it is a ray of sunshine when a new home is built. Everyone in the area typically chips in with help, food, etc.

There is no experience necessary to assist in this build. We will be accepting donations of food and drinks for the worker's lunch and breakfast.

Please contact Beth Sowell (615) 512-2242 for any additional information.

Want to learn Mah Jongg?

Mah Jongg is a mid-1800s tile game originally played in China. It has gained popularity throughout the world since the early 20th century.

Jane McCracken and Mary Welsh Owen are offering a three-week Mah Jongg Clinic geared for beginners in the church Gathering Hall starting Oct. 3 on Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Each session will build on the previous week's learning. There is no charge for lessons, but a 2024 Mah Jongg card is needed to participate. They are available from the Nationalmahjonggleague.org

Space is limited for the clinic, so please register. Please reach out to Mary (mwowen1123@gmail.com) or Jane (jane@janemccrackenhomes.com) to learn more.

Our regular Mah Jongg group will be playing in the Gathering Space at other tables during the clinic. Beginner or seasoned player we'd love to have you join us!

Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition at CWF Oct. 1

Our next CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) meeting will feature Monti Herring of the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (N.A.H.T.) on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 11:00 AM in the chapel.

NAHT is on the front lines, rescuing women and children who are actively being trafficked and struggling with substance abuse. Each rescue is unique and is approached with intention by their rescue team. While headquartered in Nashville, NAHT makes rescues across the nation through incredible partnerships. All rescues are survivor-informed and survivor-led when appropriate.

RSVP for lunch by calling the church office at (615) 297-8563.

Heavenly Helpers assembling educational materials for the Nashville AntiHuman Trafficking coalition

Peace, Presence, & Grace: a Retreat for Reflection & Renewal

Give yourself the gift of a time away to reconnect with God, the source of peace, presence, and grace in our lives. Join Beth Pattillo and Sandy Smith from Feb. 28-March 2 at the beautiful St. Mary’s Retreat Center in Sewanee, TN for a weekend of reflection and renewal.

With Wendell Berry’s poem “The Peace of Wild Things” as our springboard, we will explore the themes of peace, presence, and grace in our lives through scripture, conversation, and spiritual practices.

All adults - both men and women - are welcome to participate in this event. The retreat will kick off with dinner on Friday, Feb. 28. St. Mary's Sewanee is about two hours away from Nashville. We will finish with closing worship on Sunday morning. Both single and double occupancy rooms are available. 

You can register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bethpattillocoachingllc/1366951

The total cost of the retreat includes lodging in the new Anna House, all meals (dinner on Friday, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday) along with facilitation and supplies. We are happy to accommodate roommate requests for double occupancy - just let us know!

Space is limited - and the spring 2024 retreat filled quickly. We recommend registering early.

Scholarships are available through the Center for Hope and Healing. Church membership is not a requirement. 

All questions are welcome! Please reach out to bethpattillocoaching@gmail.com or sandy@sska.com.

Church calendar

Sunday, Sept. 29

CYF Camping Trip (no youth group)

9:00 AM Grace Notes Rehearsal, Kids' Commons

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

10:30 AM Young Professionals Sunday School, Campbell West

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

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

4:00 PM Fall Family Night, Campbell West

Monday, Sept. 30

3:00 PM "Geezers" Group, Boardroom

6:30 PM Leadership Woodmont, Campbell West

Tuesday, Oct. 1

10:00 AM CWF Board Meeting, Room 200

11:00 AM CWF Meeting, Carpenter Chapel

12:00 PM CWF Luncheon, Drowota 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, Oct. 2

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

5:30 PM Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, Drowota Hall

6:00 PM GriefShare, Campbell West

6:00 PM DivorceCare, The Bary Room

6:15 PM Senator Bill Frist "Faith, Values, & the Public Square," Carpenter Chapel

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

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, Oct. 3

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, Oct. 4

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, Oct. 5

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall