Watch brand new "Generations of Faith" video

It's an exciting time at Woodmont and we're throwing a spotlight on the key features of our new Family Life Center in a brand new video! Click the image above to watch and click the button below to make your pledge.

Fall house gatherings happening now!

As Woodmont continues to roll out its vision and master plan for the future, we are offering house gatherings on multiple dates to better educate the congregation on the plan moving forward. Feel free to sign up for one of these gatherings that are taking place now and through November. Thank you to the families that are hosting these gatherings! Click the button below to sign up for one.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Jon Meacham at Woodmont Nov. 12

This year, we are moving our Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner up one week for a special event called “The Rise of Political Violence and How Christians Can Help Combat Polarization” with Jon Meacham & Clay Stauffer on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 PM in Carpenter Chapel with dinner beginning at 5:30 PM in Drowota Hall.

This event is being co-sponsored by Woodmont and Voices for a Safer Tennessee.

Intro to Woodmont Nov. 9

If you’re new to Woodmont, then we want to see you at our next Intro to Woodmont luncheon this Sunday, Nov. 9, 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

On Sunday, Belmont President Greg Jones preached and talked about the importance of having “God-sized dreams.” At Woodmont, we are rolling out a “God-sized dream” that will lead our church into the future. One of our primary goals of the “Generations of Faith” campaign is to make a massive investment in the next generation of Christians. They are the future and the present! Our new family life center will allow our church to grow and thrive in the years ahead, creating new space so that our church can flourish and expand. We need your support to make it happen!

In a recent midterm assignment, I asked my Vanderbilt students to identify two significant challenges facing our culture and specific solutions they might offer.  The most common problems named included the following: incivility, political polarization, social media addiction, rampant individualism, affordability, moral decline, rising anxiety, and the epidemic of loneliness. Today’s college students certainly have their finger on the pulse of what seems to ail our culture. This is the world that awaits them after graduation, and they will enter it determined, with their eyes wide open.

The solutions that they provided give me great hope for the future. The students talked about how face-to-face interaction and conversation are going to be key in the future. The digital age has its limitations. The skill of actively listening to all points of view is going to be essential, and Vanderbilt has been a flagship school in this regard. Most of them are tired of extreme politics where the most radical voices tend to get all the attention and airtime. Fancy algorithms have only enhanced the echo chambers of the like-minded. They have all grown up in an age where anger and contempt have become commonplace and have defined the political landscape. I see a deep longing to change that in the coming years. Friendships across the political divide are both important and necessary for communities and nations to thrive. Disagreements do not have to be viewed as threats. Political ideology should not define family and friendship.

Contrary to some research, most of my students long to get married and raise a family. This may not happen as early as it used to because young people today want time to establish themselves, cultivate a career, experience the world, and discover who they really are. They seem to recognize that healthy marriages and mutual friendships are key to living a meaningful life. Finding friends with similar values and priorities matters to them. However, these students seem to naturally respect the fact that different backgrounds and socio-economic levels lead to different worldviews and experiences. Some are born into privilege and wealth. Others have had to work hard to earn their way. Regardless, there seems to be a deep appreciation for the sacrifices their parents have made to get them where they are today.

Not all of my students consider themselves religious, but they have a deep appreciation for the connection between religion and morality. As our culture has gradually lost its moral center over time, character formation has not been emphasized the way it once was. This seems to be changing. Core values, virtue, honesty, and integrity are important. With depression, loneliness, and anxiety soaring, finding community is also essential. People want to belong to something greater than self. But community does not happen automatically. It must be intentionally developed and cultivated over time. These students have grown up in the digital age with smartphones and social media, but they are well aware of the dangers that are present. Screens are important but they can greatly limit meaningful human interaction. I see a strong hunger for face-to-face conversation and connection. Much of the incivility, dehumanization, and rage happens online.

What strikes me most about my students is that they all long to build a meaningful life that values people over money and things. They see the shortcomings of rampant materialism and the shallowness of constant social comparison. Emotional intelligence will be key as they move into the future and establish careers. Self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills are very important traits that are not automatic. They can be developed. What I am hearing from these college students is a deep desire to address the challenges of our time and a willingness to do the hard work to make this happen. They are not naïve, but they are unwilling to accept the status quo. All of this gives me great hope for the younger generation and what the future has in store! Young people are the future!

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, Oct. 26

This Sunday, Nov. 2: "Change is Constant; Choose to Grow!"

Clay Stauffer • “Embracing the Future” series • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 & Matthew 7:13-20

Our schedule for this Sunday is:

• 8:00 AM – Continental breakfast in the gym
• 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 lounge
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary
• 4:00 PM – Youth group in the youth room

8:30 AM Sunday School begins this Sunday

Starting this Sunday, Nov. 2, we are offering a new Sunday School hour for adults and children! Continental breakfast with bagels and muffins will be offered starting at 8:00 AM in Drowota Hall followed by our 8:30 AM Sunday School classes. Grab some breakfast and join a class!

New adult Sunday School offerings:

The Gathering Class - a space to come together for prayer, study, and community. We will begin by diving into the Gospel of Luke and following a study guide by N.T. Wright to grow our understanding of the text and share meaningful conversation. The class is especially geared toward parents in the season of raising children — whether little ones, school-aged, or teenagers — but is open to anyone seeking connection and fellowship. For more, contact Carey Whitworth at carey.whitworth@gmail.com or Grant Mullins at gcmull@gmail.com

A Place for Peace - Intended as an opportunity for connection and intentional gathering for depleted parents to live intentionally and unhurried, turn our minds and attention to God, and encourage one another. No required reading or homework, we will follow guided readings each week to prompt discussion. For more,contact Alex Scarbrough Fisher at alex.scarbrough@gmail.com

If you are interested in your child attending the 8:30 AM Sunday School program, please click the button below to fill out our registration form.

“Jesus is a teacher who doesn’t just inform our intellect but forms our very loves.” – James K.A. Smith

Join the Connection Class for a NEW EIGHT-WEEK study of James K.A. Smith’s classic book on discipleship, You Are What You Love!

We’ll talk about:

• How our lives are shaped by the things we love.
• How we may not love what we think we love.
• How the Spirit meets us in our loves.
• What stories shape our loves?
• How we guard our hearts to make room for loves that are life-giving!
• How can we make a life that reflects our BEST loves!

From the book:

"If you are passionate about seeking justice, renewing culture, and taking up your vocation to unfurl all of creation’s potential, you need to invest in the formation of your imagination. You need to curate your heart. You need to worship well. Because you are what you love. And you worship what you love. And you might not love what you think. Which raises an important question. Let’s dare to ask it." (p. xii)

DISCUSSION beginning SUNDAY, November 2! 

Interested in more information or registering? Go to our registration website - https://forms.gle/N4Q7ZwSTEC9PXLPh6

Connection Class with Executive Pastor, Jay Hutchens

Sundays, 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Room 232 (across from Youth Room in Main Hallway)

Midweek worship Nov. 5

This fall, we are offering a 30-minute worship service on Wednesday nights in the chapel at 6:15 PM following a 5:30 PM dinner 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! In November, Farrell Mason is bringing the message.

Angel Tree kickoff

Woodmont’s Angel Trees benefit Fannie Battle Day Home for Children. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 2, there will be a Christmas tree in the Gathering Hall and one outside the chapel. Scan the code on the paper angel ornaments, which will take you to the SignUp Genius. From there, you can select a child or adult caregiver to provide Christmas gifts for this year. 

Full details will be available by the trees, on the SignUp Genius, and on Woodmont’s website. Gifts are due by the Gathering Hall tree no later than Sunday, Nov. 30, at noon, which is Thanksgiving weekend.

We will deliver gifts to Fannie Battle on Monday, Dec. 1, so please shop early and plan accordingly. Contact Tracy Crawford (615 294-4157) or Ann Wiles (202 607-4159) for more information or to help with load up/delivery on Dec. 1. For early access to the Angel Tree signup, go to Angel Tree for Fannie Battle Day Home 2025

Let's stock Metro Schools' HERO Pantry!

The HERO Program supports Metro Nashville Schools students who lack an adequate, regular, nighttime residence, providing basic necessities to ensure school readiness. The HERO Pantry provides food to students and families on a short-term, emergency basis. Food pantry clients are living without kitchen access, and the list and Amazon shopping link below reflect these microwave-friendly choices.

You can purchase items from this list and bring them to Denise Sesler in the Gathering Hall between the 9:30 and 11:00 services on Nov. 9 and 16. You can also visit https://a.co/eFe0kE6 to purchase items and have them shipped directly to the HERO Pantry! Kroger gift cards are also welcome. Our goal is to have all items delivered to HERO on or before Nov. 17. Note: pasta sauces and microwavable veggie cups are needed, but are best purchased in-person to avoid breakage during shipping. 

Questions? Contact Denise Sesler at denisesesler@comcast.net or (615) 480-9085.

This week at Woodmont's Center for Hope & Healing

"Caring for the Caregiver - Dementia & Alzheimer's"

Tuesday, Oct. 28

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Campbell West

This group is for anyone who is either caring for or experiencing a loved one going through mental decline. Led by Ashley Buchanan and Vicki Askew, this is a time for sharing, questions, and all the things that come with dementia and Alzheimer's.

"Midweek Reset - Creativity & Community"

Wednesday, Oct. 29

9:45 - 10:00 AM

Campbell West

This week's reset is all about being creative as a soul care practice. We'll supply the Emily Lex watercolor workbooks, watercolors & brushes. Join us for this time of finding the creative part of ourselves, even if we don't think we have one! Register by emailing Vicki at vaskew@woodmontcc.org 

"The Life Class" every Monday

A new opportunity for women of all ages on the spiritual journey, "The Life Class" is currently delving into the book of Ruth.

"The Life Class" meets Mondays at 3:00 PM in Room 200. It is a lively weekly gathering featuring a biblical topic and group discussion with a 25-minute in-depth lesson and then open discussion and sharing.

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! Anne & Linda invite you to join them at any time!

"Journey to the Heart" begins new series Nov. 6

Our women's group, "Journey to the Heart," begins a new Bible study on Thursday, Nov. 6, on 1 and 2 Peter called "Finding Hope in a Hard World." The group meets weekly at 10:30 AM in the boardroom. Questions? Contact Char Hummel at charhumel@icloud.com

Child Dedication

Elle French Oakley, daughter of Kerry & Nola Oakley • Sunday, Oct. 12

Did you know that at the beginning of our 930 AM service there is a Children's Moment given directly for your children? Each week, we spend just a few minutes at the very beginning of worship talking to the students about the sermon topic and the scriptures that are being talked about in "big church." This Children's Moment is open to all children up to 5th grade and we highly encourage all who can to attend each Sunday. 

Once the Children's Moment has finished, all 1st-5th graders can bring themselves downstairs to be checked in with their teachers. Children in Kindergarten and under need to be brought down by a parent to be checked into their classroom. 

It was Uncle Jimmy’s 70th birthday, and his family wanted to celebrate him in a special way. He had no children or a wife of his own, but as the years went by, Jimmy had consistently shown up with his quiet ways of showing his love, care and support. The family decided to honor him with an extravagant gift: an airplane ride! 

It was the late 1940s before air travel was widely available, so a plane ride was an impressive and exciting gift. The whole family trekked out to the airfield to see Jimmy board the small plane, and watched with delight as it climbed in the sky. An hour later, the plane landed. As Jimmy climbed out of the plane, the family was full of questions: “How was it!? Was it an amazing view? Did you love flying?” 

Jimmy, looking a bit pale, replied simply, “Well, to tell you the truth, I never did put all my weight down on that plane.” 

This story reminds me of how so many of us sometimes feel about our faith. I feel it, too. Admittedly, it can be hard to fully believe we can allow ourselves to be carried by God. We can feel nervous to ‘put our weight down’ and trust that God will see us through the ups and downs of our lives.  

When Jimmy took that plane ride, he was being carried, whether he allowed himself to put his weight down or not. There was no part of him left behind on the ground— and so it is with the Spirit! 

Whether you’re holding back or all in, God is here to carry you — steady, constant, trustworthy. 

This is a heavy time in the world. 

Beloved, trust. Put your weight down on God. 

Smoked turkey fundraiser

Back by very popular demand, Burnt Offerings (Woodmont’s grilling ministry), is once again firing up the smokers for their annual Thanksgiving fundraiser! This year’s menu:

• 13–15 lb Smoked Turkey – $50
• Smoked Turkey Breast – $35

Important: quantities are limited — 50 whole turkeys and 20 turkey breasts — and it’s first-come, first-served! Once the group reaches those numbers, they won’t be able to take additional orders. The order deadline is Friday, Nov. 14, at 5:00 PM.

Your turkey will be fully smoked, vacuum-sealed, frozen, and ready to reheat. Pickup dates are:

• Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | South Hall
• Sunday, Nov. 23 | 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Gathering Hall

Pickup time and location reminders will be emailed to you prior to pickup. Thawing and reheating instructions will be provided at pickup.

Payment options:



• Cash or check at pickup (make checks payable to Woodmont Christian Church, noting Burnt Offerings in the memo line)
• Via Realm: choose Miscellaneous Payment and type Burnt Offerings Fundraiser in the memo

All proceeds go to support our future mission and outreach projects, so you're not just treating yourself – you're making a difference!

Questions? Email wccburntofferings@gmail.com.

"Listening to Mother Earth to Grow Closer to the Holy" begins Nov. 8

Join Sandy Smith for a three-part retreat series: "Listening to Mother Earth to Grow Closer to the Holy":

• Saturday, Nov. 8
• Saturday, Dec. 6
• Saturday, Jan. 10

Each retreat day will run from 9 AM to 3 PM at Campbell West, the former parsonage house behind Woodmont. Registration for the three-day retreat series is $300 and includes lunch and healthy snacks. This is an offering of the Center for Hope and Healing and scholarships are available. Details are at sandyclingansmith.com/events

Church calendar

For a full list of everything happening at Woodmont, click the button below to view our church calendar.