"Relationships Matter" begins this Sunday, Feb. 5

“Giving Your Best to Those You Love”

Clay Stauffer

Colossians 3:5-17 

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast in Drowota Hall
• 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Final church directory picture day, Gathering Hall
• 9:30 AM – Informal service in the sanctuary with livestream
• 9:40 AM – The Bridge service in the chapel with livestream
• 11:00 AM – Traditional service in the sanctuary
• 4:00 PM - Father-Daughter Dance, Drowota Hall

Father-Daughter Dance this Sunday

Our annual Father-Daughter Dance is this Sunday, Feb. 5, from 4 PM to 6 PM! Please let us know you are coming by clicking the link below. 

Final picture day this Sunday

If you haven't had your photo taken for our 2023 church directory, you'll have one final chance this Sunday, Feb. 5! Our photographer will be set up in the Gathering Hall one last time, so be sure to stop by with your family before or after service.

Can't make it? Submit your family photo to info@woodmontcc.org

If you can't make it to our final picture day, then you're invited to submit a family photo to info@woodmontcc.org by Tuesday, Feb. 7, to be included in our directory. Please include first and last names for yourself and everyone else pictured in the photo!

Our winter Woodmont Social is Saturday, Feb. 18, at Martin's BBQ downtown

Join us for our second Woodmont Social, coming up on Saturday, Feb. 18! This is a churchwide, all ages, fellowship event that you do not want to miss. We will be in a private, upstairs lounge at Martin's BBQ downtown Nashville, with catering, live music, and great Woodmont company. Reach out with any questions and your RSVP to moriah@woodmontcc.org or sign up at woodmontchristian.org/social. Can't wait to see you there!

This Sunday, Feb. 5, we will begin a new sermon series on Paul’s short letter to the Colossians called “RELATIONSHIPS MATTER.” 

Relationships matter in life, but they are complicated and can be challenging. They are the source of great joy, happiness, and fulfillment as well as great pain, heartache, and disappointment. The quality of our lives will always be tied to the quality of our relationships. 

John Gotttman says that the only empirical evidence in his research between couples whose marriage lasts over the years and the ones that don’t boils down to this: does the couple learn to honor and respect the friendship? It’s much more challenging than it sounds. We must work to avoid criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling, all of which lead to problems. 

In his book Wisdom: Life’s Great Treasure, Richard E. Simmons offers the following insight for being intentional in marriage:

1. Do not be afraid to go for counseling. Counseling is healthy.
2. Set aside time to be alone with your spouse, particularly when you are raising your children. This must be planned. Many couples have arranged consistent date nights. Anniversary trips are important and meaningful.
3. Seek the wisdom of couples who are further down the road in their marriages than you. This can be incredibly helpful.
4. Read good books on marriage. (Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller).

In American culture, we often define ourselves by our professions: lawyer, doctor, banker, minister, teacher, therapist. Perhaps we need to put as much of an emphasis on the other roles we play: husband, wife, father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter. These are the roles that matter most in the big picture. 

Marriage is hard but also very rewarding. There are reasons why many marriages don’t make it, and those who suffer through a divorce should not be judged but picked up because they’ve been through a lot. Certain basic foundations upon which healthy relationships and marriages must be based: honesty, trust, selflessness, sacrifice, compromise, patience, and forgiveness. 

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love takes work. Gary Thomas says, “I have a theory, behind virtually every case of marital dissatisfaction lies an unwillingness to admit our self-centeredness. Couples do not fall out of love so much as they are unwilling to humbly acknowledge they have shortcomings as a spouse. Sin, wrong attitude, and person failures that are not dealt with slowly erode the relationship.” 

It is not surprising that as our culture has become more self-centered, more and more relationships struggle. Building relationships and marriage on the right foundations will help ensure stability and longevity for the future. 

In this new series, we will talk about marriage, family, friendship, community, and how we can build healthy relationships in life. I encourage you to read Colossians on your own as we go. 

Welcome, new members!

 Bev & Jane Akin, joined Jan. 30

Superhero Sunday

Jan. 29

Photos by Steve Lowry

DINNER AND A BOOK!

“Justice is what love sounds like when it speaks in public.” - Michael Eric Dyson, "Tears We Cannot Stop"

Join Jay Hutchens, Andra Moran, and Karen Woolridge (Chair of Woodmont's Racial Bridges Ministry) for "Dinner and a Book" as they read and discuss Michael Eric Dyson's New York Times Bestseller, Tears We Cannot Stop! 

This small group will meet four times from February to May, enjoy dinner together, and then have conversation around Dyson's provocative book with a view to answering the question how we can be a positive force for healing and change. For more information or to register, email Jay Hutchens at jayhutchens@woodmontcc.org. Group size will be limited to eight (plus the leaders)! Meeting dates and times will be determined at the group's first gathering!

Tears We Cannot Stop Reviews

• "Impassioned." ― Library Journal
• "Readers will find searing moments in Tears We Cannot Stop, when Dyson's words proves unforgettable...But more than education, Dyson wants a reckoning." ― The Washington Post
• “Dyson lays bare our conscience, then offers redemption through our potential change.” ― Booklist

FINALLY! A SMALL GROUP FOR ANIMAL LOVERS! 

The "Apawstles" Small Group!



The Apawstles Small Group will seek to explore how we experience the presence and power of God in "non-human species" (i.e dogs, cats, exotic animals etc). Non-human species will be introduced as creatures with a role in the Kingdom of Heaven, who are endowed with the capacity to help resolve unresolved emotions in humans. A goal for this group will be for group members to increase their understanding of God’s providence and interaction with creation through His furry, four legged messengers.

The group will meet for eight weeks and read and discuss the book Your Dog is Your Mirror by the late Kevin Behan, a veteran police dog trainer. 

There is no need to be a pet owner! Curiosity and an open mind are sufficient!

For more information, contact David (Tito) La Rosa at dr_larosa@hotmail.com

In my last column I said how Lent – which begins February 22 – is one of the greatest times of the year for focusing on and growing spiritually. During the rest of the year we are so busy, so involved in too many things, that our spiritual life and growth go lacking. So Christians around the world try to discipline themselves during Lent to strengthen their spiritual life.

To help us do that here at Woodmont, we are offering three classes (or maybe small groups) on each Wednesday night during March. We will begin Lent with a worship service on February 22, Ash Wednesday. We will serve dinner each Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM and the classes/groups will be offered from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM. Here are the offerings:

#1 – Dr. Ben Curtis, director of the Woodmont Center for Healing and Spirituality, will offer a class on “Getting Involved with God.”

The five sessions will focus on a book (same title) by Ellen Davis at Duke Divinity School. “This is a book about getting, and staying, involved with God – what it takes, what it costs, what it looks and feels like, why anyone would want to do it anyway,” says Davis.

It continues the contemplative emphasis about experiencing God in the present moment of our actual lives.

• March 1 – The Burning Bush: “I’ve God to Turn Aside”
• March 8 – Song of Songs: “The One Whom My Soul Loves”
• March 15 – Proverbs: “Wise Ignorance”
• March 22 – Ecclesiastes: “Simple Gifts”
• March 29 – Job: “The Sufferer’s Wisdom”

The class will meet in the Bay Room (across from 105).

#2 – Rev. Jay Hutchens will offer a class focusing on the familiar question, “Where You There When They Crucified My Lord?”

Jay says, “A close reading of Scripture reveals that there were a variety of people present at the crucifixion of Jesus all viewing the events of Jesus’ death from different perspectives, hopes, and aspirations."

Using Dr. A.J. Levine’s short and accessible book Witness at the Cross as a springboard for conversation, Jay will explore and discuss the backgrounds of many who were present the day Jesus died. Each of the perspectives will help inform and shape our own understanding of the significance of Jesus’ death and how we live today as “people of the cross.”

This class will meet in the Boardroom.

#3 – Roy Stauffer will lead a class offering a realistic look at spirituality in our daily living in the modern world. 

It will begin with a sharing of our understandings of what spirituality means. Then each week we will discuss and share practical experiences of:

• How we know and experience God
• Different ways of praying … and which goes deepest
• How we relate to others spiritually
• How does our everyday life, including even how we talk to or with others, express our spirituality … or lack of it.

The class is intended to now just “discuss” spirituality, but to “experience” it as we meet. The class will meet in Room 105. 

"Get Your Rear in Gear" colon cancer awareness 5k is March 4

On Saturday, March 4, at the Richland Creek Greenway, join the movement to promote awareness and raise funds for colorectal cancer research. In partnership with the Colon Cancer Coalition, this event is planned locally by the Waddey and Hall families, in memory of Melissa (Isse) Waddey.

By 2030, colorectal cancer may be the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50. Annually, there will be about 18,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50, the equivalent of 49 new cases per day. One in five colorectal cancer patients are between 20 and 54 years old.

Events like "Get Your Rear in Gear" aim to give patients, survivors, caregivers, and other loved ones a chance to connect together in community, while helping raise awareness and funds for colon cancer. For more information or to register, visit coloncancercoalition.org/nashville

Camp Rockmont informational meeting tomorrow, Feb.1

At Camp Rockmont, campers and staff work together to create an incredibly fun and meaningful Christian community in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Each summer, Rockmont serves over 1,400 boys from all over the U.S. and other countries. We partner with parents to invite young men to answer a universal call to adventure and discover things about themselves that require the kind of experience that only a quality boys summer camp can provide. We invite your son to be part of that journey!

If you are an:

• Interested camper (K-9th grade)
• Interested Counselor in Training (10th/11th grade)
• Interested Counselor wanting to help young men grow in their Christian walk (starting 12th grade, college & beyond) https://rockmont.com/staff/

This is a great place to spend a summer of adventure and build a lifetime of friendships.

Camp Rockmont www.rockmont.com

“I began my leadership and Christian journeys at Camp Rockmont,” Tom Woodard, Jr., counselor 1980-82. ”I’m now honored to serve as the Chairman of the Board of this amazingly beautiful, important place”

Meet our director, Austin Ashcraft, and join Woodmont/Rockmont campers like Clayton Stauffer, Thomas Woodard, Ben and John Crawford, and many others on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and see why Camp Rockmont is for you. Bring your friends and neighbors!

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

LEADER: Rob Quinn, robquinn@comcast.net

CONTACT: Richmond Williams, richmondw@yahoo.com

TOPIC: Currently walking through a discussion-based study of

Grounded: Finding God in the World - A Spiritual Revolution by Diana

Butler Bass, which argues that the distant God of conventional religion

has given way to a more intimate sense of the sacred that is with us in

the world.

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

LEADER: Julie Howell, sittyhowell@gmail.com

TEACHER: Roy Stauffer, rstauffer@woodmontcc.org

TOPIC: A chapter by chapter in-depth study of the Gospel of Matthew.

10:45 AM Reflections Class, Room 200

LEADER: Jim Batson, jimbatson10@gmail.com

TEACHER: Roy Stauffer, rstauffer@woodmontcc.org

TOPIC: A chapter by chapter in-depth study of the Gospel of Matthew.

10:45 AM Connections Class, Room 100

LEADER: Jay Hutchens, jayhutchens@woodmontcc.org

TOPIC: General Interest Book Study. Currently reading through Peter

Scazzero’s book, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship on developing

spiritual practices that give us balance and sustain us in mission!

• NOTE: This class is designed specifically for those new to Woodmont to meet others and become a part of our community.

11:00 AM Points of View Class, Room 105

LEADERS: Randy Smith, randallwsmith13@gmail.com, and Beth

Patillo, bethpattillo@gmail.com

TOPIC: Reading The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See

by Richard Rohr. We will consider such topics as: prayer as listening

for God rather than talking to God, experiencing God in our lives while

at the same time remembering that God is beyond our full

understanding, making room in our faith lives for paradox and mystery.

GriefShare group tomorrow

GriefShare is now at Woodmont and continues this Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 6:00 PM in Room 107.

GriefShare is a 13-week program of ministry designed for anyone who is or has experienced the loss of a loved one. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Join others on this journey of "moving from mourning to joy" for an evening of fellowship. Email Anne Stauffer at cottageinthewoods@gmail.com for more information.

DivorceCare group tomorrow

Led by Anne Stauffer and a team of highly-trained facilitators, our DivorceCare group continues tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 6:00 PM in The Bay Room.

You may join in at any time to experience understanding and encouragement through honest discussion in a safe, confidential, and healing environment. Click here to register for DivorceCare or email Anne Stauffer for more information at cottageinthewoods@gmail.com

New sanctuary shutters being installed this month

Beginning next week, please pardon our construction mess as we will have contractors on-site to replace the large shutters on both sides of the sanctuary. These are the original shutters that were installed when our sanctuary first opened in 1949! We don't expect any major logistical disruptions, but we will have heavy machinery and equipment stationed in our parking lot for an extended period of time as the project will take several weeks to complete.

"Virtual Ministry Fair" is now live at woodmontchristian.org

As a way to supplement our recent Mission Fair, we have created a "Virtual Ministry Fair" section on our website! Click the button below to get caught up with all of the ministries represented at Woodmont.

Watch "Leading God's People in Mission" part 3

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Watch sermon "Being a Christian in a Changing World"

Church calendar

Sunday, Feb. 5

Final church picture day & Father-Daughter Dance

8:30 AM Breakfast, Drowota Hall

9:30 AM 21st Century Class, Boardroom

9:30 AM Disciples Class, Room 105

10:45 AM Reflections Class, Room 200

10:45 AM Connections Class, Room 100

11:00 AM Points of View Class, Room 105

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

4:00 PM Father-Daughter Dance, Drowota Hall

4:45 PM Jubilation Rehearsal, Choir Room

5:00 PM Youth Group, Carpenter Chapel

5:00 PM Leadership Woodmont, Campbell West

Monday, Feb. 6

3:00 PM "Geezers," Boardroom

Tuesday, Feb. 7

9:30 AM Women's Prayer Group, Boardroom

10:00 AM CWF Board Meeting, Room 200

10:30 AM Women's Bible Study, Gathering Hall

11:00 AM CWF General Meeting, Carpenter Chapel

12:00 PM CWF Luncheon, Drowota Hall

1:30 PM "WOW! Words of Wisdom" group, Room 200

5:30 PM 6:30 PM Alateen (ages 12-19), South Hall

6:00 PM YP & Young Adults Dinner & Discussion, Campbell West

6:30 PM Parents Al-Anon Group, Room 105

8:00 PM AA Meeting, South Hall

Wednesday, Feb. 8

6:00 AM Men's Small Group, Room 107

7:00 AM Younger Men's Bible Study, Boardroom

8:00 AM "Original" Men's Bible Study, Room 105

5:30 PM Grace Notes Rehearsal, Kids' Commons

6:00 PM DivorceCare, The Bay Room

6:00 PM GriefShare, Room 107

6:15 PM JYF, Kids' Commons

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, Feb. 9

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, Feb. 10

Room In The Inn

3:00 PM Pickleball, Drowota Hall

Saturday, Feb. 11

Room In The Inn

10:00 AM Al-Anon, Drowota Hall