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Welcome New Member

The Spire
August 8, 2016

Mary Hofwolt

In This Edition
Articles:
Clay Stauffer, pg 2
Allen McDonald on
Safety and Security at
WCC, pg 3
Intro to the Elders, pg 4
Upholding Our Church,
Calendar, Cares, pg 5
News, pg 6
Website Directory, pg 7

Core Values
Welcoming
Outstanding worship
Outreach
Different traditions
Mission and ministry
On the move
Nurturing
Transforming

New Sermon Series: The Heart of Christianity Blessing of the Backpacks

Promotion Sunday Nashville Pipes & Drums at 9:30 & 11am Worship
The Bridge Worship at 9:45am

New Sermon Series Begins This Sunday The Heart of Christianity

Clay Stauffer, preaching Matthew 5:7
The Heart of Christianity Series will take a close look at the core of Jesus teachings and
how we apply it to our lives today. It will be largely based on the Sermon on the Mount.

Mission
Statement
Growing
Disciples of Christ
by Seeking God,
Sharing Love,
and
Serving Others
Woodmont Christian Church 615.297.8563 www.woodmontchristian.org 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, Tennessee 37215

Moral Foundations for Political Disagreement

On Sunday, I quoted Stanley
Hauerwas who once said, The
church should get involved
in politics the same way that
porcupines make love very, very
carefully. I will seek to do that
with this article.
To put it mildly, this is a bizarre
presidential election, a political
circus of sorts. By the time November finally gets here,
we will have heard and seen it all. The two major party
nominees, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, have high
disapproval ratings. Trump has never held elected
office before and some of the things that come out of
his mouth are astounding. Many dont trust Hillary and
some believe she should have been indicted by the FBI.
Trump is running against the establishment to shake up
a broken and corrupt Washington. Hillary embodies the
establishment having served as First Lady, a US Senator,
and then Secretary of State.
It seems as though many people will be making a
decision this year to either stay home or simply vote
against someone in this election. Christians cant agree
on who to vote for in this election. Why is there such
profound political disagreement in this country? Why the
hostile partisanship and polarization? How did we get
to this point? Whatever happened to civility and mutual
respect among public servants who simply disagree on
tax rates, the economy, entitlements, social issues, and
foreign policy?
I have found the research of NYU social psychologist
Jonathan Haidt to be very helpful in recent years. He
is one of the few intelligent people shedding rational
light on our current predicament in a fair and balanced
way. He started as a political liberal in academia but
later became a centrist, a moderate, also known as an
endangered species. In his first book The Happiness
Hypothesis he says: Liberals are experts in thinking
about issues of victimization, equality, autonomy, and the
rights of individuals, particularly those of minorities and
non-conformists. Conservatives on the other hand, are
experts in thinking about loyalty to the group, respect for
authority and tradition, and sacredness. In his second
book The Righteous Mind, Haidt expands his claims to
address the five moral foundations for politics: Care vs.
Harm, Fairness vs. Cheating, Loyalty vs. Betrayal, Authority
vs. Subversion, and Sanctity vs. Degradation. He suggests
that a combination of family origin, socioeconomic
status, life experience, social pressure, views of fairness,
and personal priorities shape our moral and political
world view. According to Haidt, the political left is much
more concerned with the Care/Harm and the Liberty/
Oppression foundations, hence the emphasis on social

by Clay Stauffer

justice and economic equality. This was certainly a

theme throughout the DNC in Philadelphia. The political
right, he says, can appeal to all five foundations, holds a
different view of liberty and wants to be left alone, often
viewing liberal programs as the government (nanny state)
trying to intervene to take care of groups they care about
regardless of cost or efficiency. This theme was present at
the RNC in Cleveland. Haidt says that one of the most basic
questions in any political cycle is whether to preserve
the present order, or change it? Trump says the world
is falling apart and is becoming more dangerous every
day. Hillary says, There are problems but its better than
you think.
Given recent events (Paris, Orlando, Nice, etc), we all
know the world is a very stressful and dangerous place.
Extremist ideologies are present and ready to strike. It is
also a complex world, full of opinions, disagreement, and a
never ending cycle of contentious rhetoric and hot issues.
The age of digital media now allows people to type things
on a screen they may, perhaps, never say to somebodys
face. Morality is anything but simple because good,
honest people disagree on how to see the world and how
to fix the world. Everybody sees it through their own lens.
We are then drawn to people who see the world the same
way we do. We must work hard to see the world through
the lens of others.
Haidt concludes one chapter of The Righteous Mind by
saying this: Morality binds and blinds. It binds us into
ideological teams that fight each other as though the fate
of the world depended on our side winning the battle.
It blinds us to the fact that each team is composed of
good people who have something important to say. Are
people still capable of thinking for themselves or do they
simply carry the party line? Also, does anybody place an
emphasis on the importance of civility and dialogue? For
the sake of our nation, lets hope so.
Blessings,

pg 2

Woodmont Safety and Security Committee

In January 2015, Woodmont members Ralph Parsons,
Phil North and Allen McDonald began looking into any
policy and procedures that were in place for Woodmont
that dealt with emergencies situations such as medical
assistance/first aid, fire, adverse weather and situations
involving actual or threatened violence. Clay Stauffer
indicated the church did not have any plans in place for
such events and recommended a study be undertaken to
address these concerns.
With Clays support and authorization, the Woodmont
Safety and Security Committee (WSSC) was formed,
comprised of Ralph Parsons, Phil North, Jonathan Farmer,
Mike Brent, Sarah Drury and Allen McDonald serving as its
chairperson. Cyril Stewart, as Chair of the Board, was also
on the committee.
For the past eighteen months, the committee has
interviewed other churches, representatives from the
Metropolitan Police Department and meet with several
church security consultants. Some of the members of
the WSSC have also attended training sessions regarding
how a church might deal with these issues, and how
church members might be trained to provide assistance.
The Board through WSSC engaged Agape Tactical, LLC a
known leader in church security. Agape Tactical conducted
a needs analysis for Woodmont, including the evaluation of
its current facilities, policies and systems. Agapes findings
were presented to the WSSC and the Board this past April.
Additionally, as Woodmont Christian Preschool has some
emergency policies procedures in place (as required by
pre-school regulatory requirements), members of the
WSSC have reviewed those to determine how those might
be applied to other aspects of Woodmont.
Although not a complete list, Agapes study suggested
improvements be made to Woodmonts campus that
addressed the need for improved outside lighting
and enhanced security measures, especially for youth
and childrens areas. One of their focus points was the

by Allen McDonald

suggestion of forming a security and safety team of

volunteers who would be trained to deal with various
emergency situations such as fires, weather emergencies,
medical assistance/first aid and situations involving actual
or threatened violence (included what has become known
as active shooter situations. With the assistance of Agape,
and research done by WSSC members, we have confirmed
that many churches in Tennessee, including Nashville,
have such teams in place. We also learned that in several
churches these teams have become another part of the
churchs small group ministries.
At Woodmonts last Board meeting, the Board formally
approved the outline of a Policy and Security Guidelines the
WSSC presented. The Board also approved the formation
of a security and safety team (which is being referred to as
a Shepherds team) to assist with the safety and security
for Woodmont.
Based on information we have obtain from other
churches with similar teams, it is envisioned the Shepherds
Team will be comprised of forty to fifty individuals. Team
members will be trained in effective radio communications
and how to appropriately respond to the various
emergencies as are mentioned above. Although somewhat
aggressive, the goal is to have the Policy and Procedures
Guidelines completed, Shepherds Team identified and
have completed two, team training sessions prior to Walk
Through Bethlehem in early December.
If you are interested in learning more about the
Shepherds Team, please send an e-mail to Allen McDonald
at allen@bsmproperties.com and he will start gathering
names that will go into the database of those interested in
serving. If you have special medical or security training,
please let him know that as well.
The security and safety of everyone at Woodmont is
an important issue. The formation of a Shepherds Team
should be a big step to addressing this important topic.

Tele-Connect is a group volunteers who contact
those who are shut-in, immobile, recuperating
from surgery, new moms or soon-to-be moms,
those who may be grieving, depressed, or those
who just need to hear a cheerful voice on the
other end of the telephone. We meet this Sunday,
August 14th at 4:00 p.m. in the Boardroom. We
also continue to meet throughout the year.
Please contact Dennis Beck for more information.
Dennis.Beck@bluestreampro.com.
Everyone is invited to learn more about this
ministry!

pg 3

Gus Stranch wrote this letter

when he was initially in the
hospital, after hearing that
Thom Schuyler (Woodmont staff
member) had asked everyone in
the sanctuary to pray together for
him during worship one Sunday
morning.
Seeing him get to come back
to church this Sunday (8/7) is a
testament to the power of prayer.
When Gus says, what you did, he means everyone praying
for him.

Introducing the Elders of Woodmont Christian Church

In the life of Woodmont Christian, we are graced with Elders that watch over the spiritual health and growth of our
congregation. Our Elders our dedicated to teaching,shepherdingand offering prayer for our community. This week we
introduce you to Robin Heyne and Martha Galyon.

Robin Heyne

Martha Galyon

Robin began her spiritual

journey years ago, and as an
adult in the mid 1990s her
family joined Woodmont
Christian Church. She has
experienced
numerous
opportunities
to
grow
spiritually while attending
Woodmont. This has been
accomplished through Sunday worship, Sunday school
classes, Bible studies, small groups, attending guest
speakers seminars, serving two terms as a Deacon, and
as a Stephen Minister.

Martha has attended

Woodmont since she was
a young girl. It was a gift to
grow in her faith in such a
loving environment.
Through the years she
has been involved in a
variety of activities in the
church; childrens and youth
programs, womens bible study (see information below),
Walk Thru Bethlehem, Nashville Food Project, Woodmont
Christian Board, VBS and WCPS Auxiliary Board Chair. She
is honored to have been elected to serve as an Elder.

Robins husband Bill is a life elder who has experienced

his own spiritual growth at Woodmont. They have two
grown sons, Billy and Christian, and the company of her
elderly father who they are blessed to have with them.

Martha is married to L.A. Galyon and they have two

daughters Hallie, age 9, and Mae Mae, age 7. It is her hope
that her children will have the same loving experience
she did growing up at Woodmont.

Robin is an interior designer and has owned her own

business for over twenty-five years. In her free time
she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, tennis, and
numerous outdoor activities especially water sports.

Marthas contact information: email: mwgalyon@me.com

cell: (615) 390-9313
Tuesday Morning Womens Bible Study
with Martha Galyon - open to all women!
Bible Study starts September 6th and meets the 1st &
3rd Tuesday of the month in room 200 from 9:45 am10:45 am. Childcare is provided in the nursery if needed.
This semester we will study Calm My Anxious Heart by
Linda Dillow. You may purchase it on Amazon. If you
would like, Martha will purchase it for you and have it
shipped to you. If you have questions, do not hesitate to
contact Martha at the email above.

She is humbled and honored to have been nominated

and elected to serve as an Elder for the Woodmont
congregation and she looks forward to getting to know
you and your family.
Robins contact information:
email: robinheyneinteriors@comcast.net
cell: (615) 406-3414

pg 4

Next Weeks Calendar

Sunday, August 14
Homecoming Sunday Blessing of the Backpacks Promotion Sunday
9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Worship Services, Sanctuary

Child Dedication at 9:30 a.m. Worship
Sunday School Classes
9:45 a.m.
The Bridge Worship, Drowota Hall
4:00 p.m.
Tele-Connect Meeting, Boardroom
6:15 p.m.
Youth Group Kick-Off (off campus)
Monday, August 15
4:00 p.m.
"Geezers" Men's Group, Boardroom
Tuesday, August 16
9:00 a.m.
Womens Prayer Group, Campbell-Stone
6:00 p.m.
Handbell Practice, Choir Room
Wednesday, August 17
6:15 a.m.
Men's Small Group, Room 100
7:00 a.m.
Mens Bible Study, Room 105

Younger Men's Bible Study, Boardroom
5:30 p.m.
Grace Notes Childrens Choir, Kids Commons
6:30 p.m.
Choir Practice, Choir Room
Thursday, August 18 Library Workday
The Elders of Woodmont Ask That You Join Them in Prayer for:
Teachers and students returning to school.
People affected by the Zika virus.
Our Senior Minister and his family as he returns from his sabbatical.
Safety for those participating in the Olympia games.
The Nashville Food Project as they feed the needy daily in our community.

By Our Presence and Our Gifts

Date

Sun. School Total Atd.

Operating

July 17

265

726

$50,124

July 24

253

742

$29,079

July 31

248

727

$17,679

August 7

328

770

$38,582

Worship Services August 14, 2016

9:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship
Clay Stauffer, Preaching
New Series/Sermon Title:
The Heart of Christianity
Scripture: Matthew 5:7

Prayers for Our Church Family

SYMPATHY TO:
Sarah and Thom Schuyler and family on the
passing of Sarahs mother, Tallu Fish Scott, on
Sunday, August 7, Jekyll Island, GA
Phil and Connie Schmutz on the passing of
Phils aunt Irene Schmutz in Live Oak, FL.
IN THE HOSPITAL:
Richard Lowe, St. Thomas West
Ray Dickerson, St. Thomas West
John and Margaret Thompsons daughter,
Frances, in the NICU, St. Thomas Midtown
CONTINUING CONCERNS:
Judy Wilson
Jeff Rush
Gus Stranch, son of Gerard and Patty Stranch
Al Richardson
Joe Taylor
Sue Montgomery
Joyce Stanley, Jan Andersons sister
Carol Parsons
Clay Perry, son of Diane and Tim Perry,
grandson of Betty and Bill Johnson, Seattle
Ben Cherry
MILITARY:
Toby Logsdon, friend of John and Sallye
Galloway, Middle East

August 14, 2016 Elders and Deacons Serving

Deacons Serving

Elders Serving

Communion Prep: Peggy Burrahm

Service Coordinator: 9:30 - Jonathan Farmer
9:45 - David Todd 11:00 - Laurie Hester
Video Camera: 9:30 - Benson Hadley
11:00 - Jeremy Pratt
9:30 a.m.
Nick Holscher
Shane Douglas
Mari-Kate Hopper
Laura Beth Brown
Jim Batson
Heather Douglas
Mike McConnell
Billy Crawford

9:30 a.m.
Marcus Crider
and
Tim Perry
9:45 a.m.
Rich Sanderson
9:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Chip Hooper Kirtley Whittington Rich Sanderson
and
Sara Kate Hooper Patricia Taylor
Donovan McAbee
Christy Brown
Jenny Holder
Anne Arney
Megan McAbee
Hospital Marty Jordan
Marcus Crider
Barbara Sullivan
Catie Pratt
Jim Hester

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND!

Seekers Bible Study Class Starts August 21st at 8:30 in Room 105 - led by Kathy Patten
Arent we all seeking something? Last Sunday Farrell challenged us to use our talents to help bring more love,
joy and peace into this troubled world. Are you seeking to know how God can help you use your talents more
generously with othersor seeking to find some peace and joy in your own life? Maybe you are seeking a new
group of fellow disciples with whom you can discuss lifes joys and challenges and see how Gods Word will deepen
the meaning of your life.
Coffee and pastries will be available at 8:15 prior to the 8:30 start time. Childcare will be provided.
pg 5

Introduction to Woodmont is our free monthly

luncheon. Visitors and members are invited to join
our ministers for lively conversation in a relaxed
atmosphere while enjoying a delicious lunch.
Guests get to ask questions, meet new people, and
find out about church life at Woodmont. In addition
to learning about what it means to be a part of the
Woodmont family, we also talk about our beliefs,
values, and community. Many people make the
decision to become members of Woodmont at the
luncheon.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. To
RSVP CLICK HERE or call 615-297-8563.
Jim Schleicher returns! Jim is an excellent speaker
and accomplished marriage and family counselor.
He is best known for his straight-forward, direct
approach to family problems. He has been
practicing marriage and family counseling for over
40 years, with his primary focus on marriage issues,
struggling adolescents, and parent consultations.
Come hear Jim speak right after 5 Star Dinner.
Speaking Topics:
9/14 Anxiety in Families: The Epidemic is Here
9/21 Married with Children: What Works,
What Doesnt
9/28 Fostering Empathy and Resilience
DivorceCare is led by Janet Wall and Anne
Stauffer. At our meetings, you will find
encouragement and support through videos and
honest discussion. You will learn how to deal with
your past and rebuild your future. We provide
a safe, confidential and healing environment.
Anyone affected by separation, divorce, or the
trauma of breakup is welcome.
$20 Materials/workbook fee with scholarships
available. Located in the Bay Room, downstairs
next to the kitchen.
For more information and to register visit http://
bit.ly/wccdivorce or call the church office, 615297-8563.
Leadership Breakfast - Join us to hear Dr. Ben
Curtis (Faculty Member at Belmonts College of
Theology and Christian Ministry), speak about
Spiritual Foundations of Christian Leadership.
This event is open to the congregation. Elders,
Board Members, and Deacons (and spouses) are
encouraged to attend. Childcare is available.

LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 20 at 9:00 am

An $8 donation is suggested. RSVP is required.

Register at http://bit.ly/leadershipbreakfast

Dr. Ben Curtis, Speaking

Spiritual Foundations of Christian Leadership

Learn more about Dr. Curtis HERE.

pg 6

Instructions on how to access the Membership Directory and Database

This information was taken from the new website page:

www.woodmontchristian.org/about/membership-directory-database/ and can be accessed there as well.
Welcome!
This page will guide you through the steps to access the directory and database. Once you have set up an account
with our database, you will be able to access the church directory and database in one of two ways:
1. by logging in from any computer at www.churchlife.mobi
2. by using the free mobile Church Life APP on any mobile device.
Instructions - Getting Started
1. Follow these instructions for setting up your account (one time only).
2. Visit http://bit.ly/loginwcc online. You can also click the login button at the top of the Membership
Directory and Database webpage on the new site
3. On the next screen, click on Click here next to Need a login?
4. On the next page (Account Signup), enter your first name, last name, and email address and click Find Me.
(Note: Your first and last name, and email address MUST match the churchs database).
5. If the Find Me option does not work, please email info@woodmontcc.org and we will assist in resetting
your email in order to set up your account.
6. If the Find Me option works, you will receive an email in your inbox containing your username and password
for logging in to the database. **Check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive an email in your inbox.**
7. When you have received the email with your username and password, return to the database sign in page
by visiting http://bit.ly/loginwcc or click the login button at the top of the Membership Directory and
Database webpage on the new site
8. Enter the username and password from the email and click Sign In.
9. The system will require you to change your password with the first successful login. Enter a password of your choice.
CONGRATULATIONS! Now that you are in the system you can use the Church Life APP to view the directory, or
view it through an internet browser on a computer at www.churchlife.mobi.

Church Life APP

Instructions for downloading the free Church Life APP
1. iPhone: Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for ACS Church Life and click Get.
2. Android: Open the Play Store on your phone, search for ACS Church Life and click Install.
3. Windows: Open the Microsoft Store on your phone, search for ACS Church Life and download.
One installed, you can search for people and view contact information, photos, and family members. Send a text,
call, or view a map for home visits. Give or register for events on your phone, anytime.
Church Life from a Computer or Internet Browser
Instructions for Viewing the Directory/Database from a computer or browser by visiting www.churchlife.mobi.
1. Visit www.churchlife.mobi
2. Sign in using your email and password
3. The default page you will see says People at the top - this is the directory.
pg 7

VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED! The main
group will head
over the night of the
11th and working
all day the 12th,
13th and part of the
14th. If you cant
come up until Friday
morning/night,
thats fine too!! We
will
coordinate
drivers for Thursday
night, Friday morning and Friday night. Hope you can come! If you
cannot make it, but are interested in donating food for the trip
or other items, contact Stephanie Weeden-Wright at stephanie.
weedenwright@gmail.com.

Grace Notes Childrens Choir Starts

Back Wednesday, August 17th!

Grace Notes is our childrens choir for ages K-5th grade and focuses
on praising God through song. In addition to healthy vocal singing,
children learn to read music, play percussion instruments, and
experience music improvisation. They rehearse on Wednesday from
5:30-6:00 P.M. in the Choir Room in the Kids Commons, and sing
quarterly for worship services and special occasions. If you have
questions, please contact Catie Pratt jc-pratt@comcast.net.

- photo by Melinda Morris

- Farrell Mason
Staff Serving Woodmont
Ministerial Staff
Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church Life

Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse
Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational Care
Katie Sheridan Gossage, Assistant Youth Ministry Director
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care
Tallu Schuyler Quinn, Director, The Nashville Food Project
Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Mark DeVries, Youth Group Interim Director and Consultant
Thom Schuyler, Director of Young Adults, Missions & Outreach
Andra Moran, Creative Director, The Bridge & Stephen Daniel King, Worship Musician

Support Staff
Chris Beck, Business Administrator
Sara deBettencourt, Communications Director
Mandy Barton Brown, Executive Assistant

Russell Davis, Accompanist

Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
MacKenzie Baldwin, Administrative Assistant

Sam Marsh, Property & Facilities Manager

Abby McLean, Childrens Ministry