Lent classes begin tomorrow

The season of Lent traditionally has been a time for reflection on the disciplines of living the Spirit-filled life. Beginning tomorrow, and continuing for multiple weeks, Woodmont will offer a variety of experiences designed to deepen one’s own faith and spiritual practice.

Our Wednesday fellowship dinner will be in the gym at 5:30 PM for the first three weeks: Feb. 25, March 4, & March 11. If you would like to inquire about childcare options, contact Abby McLean at abby@woodmontcc.org

Please pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/4rc3sh2p

“Christian Character & Moral Leadership” with Dr. Clay Stauffer • Feb. 25, March 4, & March 11 – 6:15 PM in the Boardroom

This class is geared specifically for elders, deacons, and anybody who wants to develop their leadership skills. Clay will be discussing select chapters from his recent book, “What the World Needs Now.” Various scriptures will be incorporated each week.

"Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life" - Led by Vicki Askew and Dr. Christy Ridings • Feb. 25, March 4, & March 11 – 6:15 PM in the Bay Room

For anyone looking to find meaning and connection to God in the daily rhythms of life. This class will explore spiritual formation in three areas of the everyday so that we can become more vividly aware of God’s presence: “Everyday Rhythms,” “Sacred Spaces in Everyday Places,” and “Connecting through Community.”

“In the Beginning” with Rev. Justin Gung • Feb. 25 & March 4 – 6:15 PM in Room 105

Join us for a two-week series on the opening chapters of the Bible. In the great drama of Scripture, Genesis 1-3 serve as "Act I." These defining chapters “set the stage” for the rest of the Bible, which we come to realize is the story of God’s redemptive love for all creation.

"Meeting Jesus at the Table" with Tammy Morgan • Feb. 25, March 4, March 11, & March 18 - 6:15 PM in Room 200

"Jesus imparts wisdom as he shares the wine and grants forgiveness as he distributes the fish." We will be using the book "Meeting Jesus at the Table" to have a great discussion and reflect on what it means to be called to follow Jesus in our own lives individually and as communities of faith. Book link: https://a.co/d/eogqb3L

Midweek Worship March 4

Our next midweek worship service is Wednesday, March 4, at 6:15 PM in the chapel with dinner at 5:30 PM in the gym. This is a full-band, casual service meant to give you a midweek uplift and reset. Come for some encouragement, music, and fellowship!

Click the button below to RSVP for dinner.

RSVP for March 4 dinner

Deepening Your Spiritual Practice

by Jay Hutchens

In his book, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, pastor and author Pete Scazerro identifies what he calls four fundamental challenges of discipleship in contemporary North American Church.

First, he says, is the church's tendency to look past "emotional immaturity." Maybe we feel ourselves unqualified to say what maturity looks like. After all, we're not perfect! We've made mistakes in our own past! And so we draw back from holding each other accountable for fear that we might overstep and be perceived as "holier than thou!"

Second, Scazerro says, today's believers emphasize "doing for God over being with God." It feels uncomfortable, awkward even, to simply sit quietly and "contemplate" God's presence and listen for God's voice. It's so much easier to do something - to show up, to serve, to hold a hammer, teach a child to read, or make spaghetti for Room In The Inn! These are all worthy things to do! And yet, we find ourselves drained and stressed and anxious as we jump in each week to frantically over-scheduled lives. Could there be some value to doing nothing at all - except sitting in God's presence?

Third, Scazerro notes that contemporary Christians tend to "ignore the treasures of church history." Today's church sometimes forgets that others have tread the path before. People of faith have asked and grappled with many of the same questions we ask today. Perhaps it would be wise to pay attention to some of the wisdom that has been shared from the earliest disciples - books like The Didache circulated among churches at the end of the first century - to classics on the inward spiritual journey like Teresa of Avila's 16th century The Interior Castle - where spiritual transformation to a more Christ-filled life is described in beautiful detail.

Finally, Scazerro suggests that "we define success wrongly." After all, how does one quantify spiritual growth, deep joy, and a compelling sense of one's purpose inside of loving community? The contemporary church has gone the way of defining success in terms of those things we can measure. Which isn't bad. Numbers tell a story too. But not the whole story of how empowered and abundantly we live life together as we take on Jesus's ministry of healing and reconciliation in love.

So how can we begin to "grow deeper" in Christ differently?

On Monday, March 23, Tammy Morgan and I are leading a one-night class called "Growing Deeper." We'll explore real-life practices that shift the way we experience God's presence, hear God's wisdom, and build strong spiritual habits (practices). We'll discuss together how we can read scripture devotionally, pray with greater confidence, let go of hurry, and discover confidence, peace, and balance in being a disciple - a life-long student - of Jesus.

We'll begin with dinner together at 5:45 PM and finish at 7:30 PM. Let's travel this road together!

For more information on "Growing Deeper" - or to register for the class - go to https://wccgroups.com/growing-deeper/

You can also email me at jayhutchens@woodmontcc.org

This Sunday, March 1: "Peace in a Hurried World"

During Lent, we are exploring the part of John’s gospel known as “The Farewell Address” – these are the words of Jesus at The Last Supper found in John 13-17.

Clay Stauffer • Lenten series "Jesus’ Farewell Address" • John 14:15-27 & Philippians 4:4-7

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

Youth activities are off-campus this Sunday afternoon/evening as our middle schoolers are at Climb Nashville and our high schoolers are at Bethany Hills.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, Feb. 18

See all Ash Wednesday photos

Penitence & Spiritual Growth

by Roy Stauffer

Is your life without sin? Of course not because we all are sinners. As Paul says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

So, when was the last time you sinned?

When was the last time you had a bigoted or prejudiced thought about another person?
When was the last time you assassinated another person’s character by gossiping?
When was the last time you lost your temper?
When was the last time you passed by another person, ignoring them, treating them like they didn’t even exist?
How often have you been totally selfish?
How often have you turned a deaf ear to the cry of human suffering and need?
How often have you failed to forgive someone who offended or hurt you… maybe harboring bitterness or thoughts of revenge instead?
Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain?

Did I miss anyone? The point is that all of us are sinners and sin takes away from the joy or “fullness” of life. It destroys our personal relationships with others. And, it destroys our relationship with God.

We are now in that season of the Christian year known as Lent – the 40 weekdays leading up to Easter. For the true Christian, Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and contemplation, and thus spiritual strengthening.

If you choose to observe the real meaning of Lent, it can be a challenging (even agonizing) time in which we are called to bare our souls before God –

to see ourselves for what we really are,
to acknowledge our sinfulness,
and to ask god for forgiveness and help.

Another word for what we are called to do during Lent is “penitence” or “repentance.” This means –

a change of mind
a feeling of regret or remorse, and
a change of life… turning away from sin and back to God.

If we do this, we become more than “cultural Christians.” We become actual practicing Christians.

If your life is not what it ought to be, not what you want it to be, not what God wants it to be...

… if you are struggling with guilt, or fear, or worry, or inner turmoil …
… if you feel empty inside …
… if your relationships are not what they should be …
… if you’re depressed or discouraged or mixed up...

… you’ve got some work to do with God. So take advantage of this season of Lent to get it done. Let the 51st Psalm be your guide. Read it every day. Memorize it. And follow its steps to repentance, confession, forgiveness, and God’s gift of renewed life.

Lent devotional booklet

Woodmont’s annual Lent devotional booklet is now available! Faith-laden scripture, reflection, and prayer written by our ministers, staff, and congregation are available for pickup at any time in the lobby area of the sanctuary and chapel.

The devotionals are also being sent via email each day during Lent.

Intro to Mah Jongg Feb. 26

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

Jane McCracken and Mary Welsh Owen are offering a three-week Mah Jongg Clinic for beginners in the Gathering Hall, starting Feb. 26, on Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Two additional sessions are on March 5 and March 12. Each session will build on the previous week's learning so it's important to attend all three clinics. There is no charge for lessons, but a 2025 Mah Jongg card is needed to participate. Let Jane or Mary know if you need to borrow a card when you register and they'll try to borrow one for you for each clinic. 2026 Mah Jongg cards will be coming in April. They are available from the nationalmahjonggleague.org

Space is limited for the clinic, but they do need a minimum of four to hold the clinic, so please register by reaching out to Mary (mwowen1123@gmail.com) or Jane (jane@janemccrackenhomeservices.com). All questions are welcome!

Our regular Mah Jongg group will be playing at other tables during the clinic. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, they'd love to have you join!

Singles Fellowship at Pins Mechanical this Sunday

Our Singles Fellowship group will be meeting at Pins Mechanical for games, fun, and fellowship this Sunday, March 1, at 4:00 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

Young Professionals begin Lent series this Sunday

"The Final Days," a Lenten Bible series for Woodmont's young adults and young professionals, begins every Sunday in March, starting March 1 at 10:45 AM in the Bay Room. Based on the book of the same title, the group will journey through the Lenten season by examining the days leading up to the cross through deep discussion, Bible study, and peer fellowship. Light bites and materials will be provided. Led by Moriah Domby, contact moriah@woodmontcc.org with any questions.

CWF March 3

C.J. Sentell, CEO of The Nashville Food Project, will be our special guest at the March meeting of CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) on Tuesday, March 3, at 11:00 AM in Carpenter Chapel. You can RSVP by calling the church office (615) 297-8563.

C.J. joined the Nashville Food Co-op to help build a food system in Nashville where everyone has access to the food they want and need. Prior to the Food Project, C.J. served as the curriculum director of Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, and was the founding farmer operations manager of the Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative. C.J. began farming in 2009 in Joelton and currently owns and operates a grass-fed cattle concern in the Ozark Mountains.