Intro to Woodmont this Sunday

If you’re new to Woodmont, then we want to see you at our next Intro to Woodmont luncheon this Sunday 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

Summer Spirit Reset at The Bridge 

Join us as we continue our "Summer Spirit Reset" activity series sponsored by The Bridge. 

Beginning Sunday afternoon, August 3 until August 6, the chapel will be cleared of chairs and we'll offer a labyrinth walk and prayer stations. Historically, the labyrinth was a way for people to do a symbolic pilgrimage. More recently, people walk the labyrinth to facilitate spiritual centering. In the chapel, we'll surround the labyrinth with ways to explore hands-on prayer and reflection. 

This contemplative and interactive experience is open to all ages! Come by for a spirit-centering experience as we begin to move away from the slower pace of summer. 

• Sunday 8/3 Labyrinth Walk & Prayer Stations with 3 PM live flute meditation by Michael Morton 

• Monday 8/4 Open House Labyrinth Walk and Prayer Stations 9 AM to 5 PM. Guided gathering time by Andra Moran at 9 AM.  All-abilities yoga with Alex Fisher at 6 PM. 

• Tuesday 8/5 Open House Labyrinth Walk and Prayer Stations 9 AM to 5 PM. Guided gathering time by Andra Moran at noon. 

• Wednesday 8/6 Open House Labyrinth Walk and Prayer Stations 9 AM to 5 PM. Guided gathering time by Andra Moran at 9 AM. 

Singles Fellowship this Sunday

The Singles Fellowship Group will be meeting at Fat Bottom Brewery (locally owned by one of our members) this Sunday, Aug. 3, from 6-8 PM. This is a gathering for singles in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who share a common interest in serving God and growing in community together. Questions? Contact Todd Pachey at toddpachey@gmail.com

I just celebrated my 45th birthday. Summer is starting to wind down. Kids will be back in school before we know it. Kickoff Sunday at Woodmont will be on August 17. 

Harvard Professor Clayton Christiansen once wrote a book titled, “How Will You Measure Your Life?” In 2010, Christensen gave a very moving speech to the graduating class of Harvard Business School. At the time, he had just overcome the same type of cancer that took his father’s life, and so in addition to his groundbreaking research on innovation that he is widely known for, this book deals with other types of questions such as: “How can I find satisfaction in my career? How can I be sure that my personal relationships become enduring sources of happiness? How can I avoid compromising my integrity as I climb the ladder of success?” Christiansen addresses these questions, and he goes deep in this book.

This question, “How will I measure my life?” is one that we all think about each and every day.” And it’s a very important question. What does success look like? What does happiness look like? What do healthy relationships looks like? Many people suffer from what I call “restless heart syndrome” – this idea that we are never satisfied, that we never have enough, that life always seems incomplete.

It’s no secret that our world seems to measure success in certain ways - by money, possessions, fame, prestige, power, influence. One of the things that Christiansen talks about in his book is that when he would go back to Harvard for reunions of his own business school class, he noticed that lots of people were achieving success by the world’s standards – earning large salaries, becoming CEOs of companies, gaining lots of influence and status. But the problem he saw was that many of them were having serious problems in their personal lives. They were losing their marriages. They had been through multiple divorces. They had no relationship with their children. And the only friends they had were superficial. And so he talks about this. That’s why he asks the question, “How will you measure your life?” Because there are different ways for us to measure our lives.

Jesus had a lot to say about how we measure our lives. And many of his words are incredibly challenging. In fact, they stand in direct contrast to what the world says. In Luke 12, he says, “Be on guard against all types of greed. For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” And in life, I have found that lots of people don’t realize when they are being greedy. In Matthew 16, he says: “Those who want to save their life will lose it. And those who lose their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel will find it. What will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?” In other words, we find our lives by giving and helping others. And then in John’s gospel, Jesus says this to his disciples in John 13: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Forbes once ran an article talking about the “Top 25 Regrets” that people had in life. And the list included these things:

• Working too much at the expense of family and friends
• Losing touch with good friends over time
• Not turning off the phone more often
• Not realizing that happiness is a choice
• Paying more attention to your marriage
• Burying the hatchet with an old friend or family member
• Spending more time with children
• Taking care of your health at a young age
• Being a better mother or father

All of these have to do with love and with giving. How will we measure our lives when it’s all said and done? How can we live our lives so that we don’t have regrets at the end? These are questions worth asking and answering no matter what stage we might be in. I will be exploring many of these questions in the sermon this Sunday.

Welcome, new members!

Sarah & James Sexton, joined July 15

Wilson Sisk, joined July 23

"The Gospel According to Scottie Scheffler" Sunday, Aug. 3

Clay Stauffer • Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 & Matthew 16:24-27 • “Timeless Values in a Chaotic World” series 

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
• 12:00 PM – Intro to Woodmont luncheon in the boardroom
• 3:00 PM – Labyrinth Walk & Prayer Stations in the chapel
• 6:00 PM – Singles Fellowship at Fat Bottom Brewery

Samar Ali "Is Peace Possible?" Aug. 20

We will welcome Samar Ali back to Woodmont for a dialogue with Clay called "Is Peace Possible? Russia & Ukraine, Israel & Iran” on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 6:15 PM in the chapel with dinner at 5:30 PM.

With all the conflicts going on in the world, what is the likelihood of achieving peace? What role does the U.S. play in bringing about peace? How do we understand what is at stake?

Samar Ali is Research Professor of Political Science and Law at Vanderbilt University. Her research initiatives focus on positive compromise through promoting conflict-resolution best practices among people, communities, and nations experiencing polarization due to the connection between violence and labeling. Ali joined Vanderbilt’s faculty after fourteen years of experience in international relations and legal practice.

Click the button below to RSVP!

Woodmont Kids Water Day next Sunday, Aug. 10

We’re hosting a “goodbye to summer” Water Day on Sunday, August 10, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Campbell West, the former parsonage house behind the church. We’ll have lots of aquatic inflatables and other water-related activities, plus burgers and hot dogs grilled by our Burnt Offerings group. Click the button below to RSVP!

Homecoming Sunday & Blessing of the Backpacks is August 17

We will be welcoming everyone back from summer break on Sunday, August 17, as all of our children and youth move up a grade for fall kickoff.  We partner with Fall-Hamilton Elementary every year to bring much-needed school supplies to their students. Stay tuned to the newsletter as we’ll soon be sending out a list of supplies to bring to the front of the sanctuary at any time that morning! This is such a wonderful ministry and we are thrilled to do it again as a way to come together and love on these students.

It's time to register your children for the upcoming school year!

As we prepare for the next Sunday School year and Promotion Sunday, it's time to register your children for the 2025-26 school year. It is important that all parents register their students every year so we can update rosters for new classes and teachers along with updating our internal system. We so appreciate your help in this! Click the button below today!

In What the World Needs Now, Clay shares an insight from psychologist Tim Kasser:

“All of us have certain innate needs — to feel connected, to feel valued, to feel secure, to feel we make a difference in the world, to have autonomy, to feel we are good at something.”

At Woodmont, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to take that first step toward connection — with a group of others who are sharing conversation, wisdom, life… and maybe even a meal.

Dinner for Eight (DF8)

Our Fall semester of Dinner for Eight groups will officially begin in September, with sign-ups starting in August. You’ll find the registration link in next week’s Spire and in our church bulletin throughout the month. DF8 is a fantastic way to meet new friends, hear incredible stories, and build lasting connections with others you’ll worship and serve alongside at Woodmont.

Ministry Fair — Sunday, August 24

Mark your calendar for our annual Ministry Fair, where we’ll showcase over 50 ways for you to get connected — from small groups and Sunday School classes to outreach opportunities. We hope each person at Woodmont finds at least one place to serve with their gifts, and one place to grow in deeper community and conversation.

“Gifts + Strengths” Class — Sept. 15, 22, 29

Curious about how your unique spiritual gifts can shape your ministry? Our Gifts + Strengths Class, led by Beth Pattillo, Tammy Morgan, and me, will meet for three consecutive Monday nights in September. Together, we’ll explore how God has specifically designed you to love and serve in ways that bring joy, purpose, and blessing — to both you and those around you.

Coming in August

Stay tuned for sign-up links for Small Groups, Dinner for Eight, and the Gifts + Strengths Class.

We’re excited for you to discover the joy that comes from blessing others through the gifts that have been poured into your life.

Sunday, July 27

Photos by Erin Douglas

Woodmont Habitat Build Oct. 4 & 5

Our church community will be building together the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5! It’ll be up to us to provide the necessary people power to accomplish a variety of tasks. This is a great opportunity to put God’s love into action together and there will be types of work for everyone!

Stay tuned for signups coming soon! Questions? Contact Bethany Drury at drury.bethany@gmail.com or Libby Tyner at lbryant0104@gmail.com

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.

As we get geared up for another wonderful Sunday school year in the children's ministry, I wanted to take a moment to thank ALL of our Sunday school teachers from our nursery workers through our elementary teachers. If you see any of these folks, please thank them for their time and service to this church and your children. If there is an * by their name, they have officially retired from teaching and we're grateful for the time they served. We certainly could not run the Sunday school hour without every single one of them. And a special thank you to all of our volunteers who sub when these teachers cannot be present. You are invaluable! 

Susan Hutchens

Mollie Dingler*

Leigh Sinks

Elizabeth Raggio

Eliza Kolakowski

Lucy Davis

Adelaide Cummings

Heather Martin

Steve Vining

Betsy Garber

Becky Griffith

Carroll Baxley

Jane Clay Meadors

Porter Meadors

Claire Drowota

Laura Dovan

Olivia Burks (high school graduate)

Bonnie Burks*

Anna Kathryn Groom

Pam Groom

Landry Bateman*

Nick Bateman*

Cary Graham

Beth Meador

Marybeth Meador

Cathy Anne Graham

Kim Sheridan

Jim Sheridan

Jennifer Ribas*

Tami Buchanan

Annie Biter

Tabitha Witherow*

Jarrett Schmitt

Lillie Morgan

Betty White*

Denise Sesler*

Hallie Galyon (high school graduate)

Christi Williams*

Anne Trainer

Sheila Mathias

Susan Hammonds-White

Robbie Quinn

Chandler Clay*

Peyton Campbell

Mimi Clay (preschool music director)

Mary Clare Pyron (preschool music director)

I want to say a special "thank you" to Catie Pratt & her husband, Jeremy, who served our elementary students leading worship and music each Sunday for well over a decade. They officially retired from that part of their ministry back in May and we are forever grateful for the time, energy, and planning that went into this endeavor. We are grateful that Catie will still be directing our Grace Notes choir beginning again this fall. Thank you both so much! 

Calendar

Sunday, Aug. 3

Summer Spirit Reset, Chapel

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

12:00 PM Intro to Woodmont, Boardroom

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

6:00 PM Singles Fellowship, Fat Bottom Brewery

Monday, Aug. 4

Summer Spirit Reset, Chapel

3:00 PM New Life Class, Room 200

3:00 PM "Geezers" Group, Boardroom

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Summer Spirit Reset, Chapel

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, Aug. 6

Summer Spirit Reset, Chapel

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 DivorceCare, The Bay Room

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

Thursday, Aug. 7

Summer Spirit Reset, Chapel

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, Aug. 8

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, Aug. 9

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall