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A Letter From Clay Stauffer 2Articles: Clay Stauffer 2Roy
Stauffer 3Michael Graham 4Living Generously, Changing Lives:
Society of Saint Andrew and Men of Valor 5Announcements/News
6Woodmont Kids & Youth 7Cares & Upholding Our Church 8
In This Issue
August 4, 2015 Volume 44, Issue 14
Special Performances at Woodmont Homecoming Sunday During
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Services
Homecoming Sunday is Promotion Sunday!
The new Sunday School year is right around the corner - its time
to set your child up for the next year of fun, fellowship, and
spiritual growth! Be sure youre ready for Promotion Sunday - August
16 by registering your child so that we assign them to the correct
Sunday School class and stand guard over their health and
safety.
Register on line: bitly.com/WCCKidsReg
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pg 2
A letter from Clay StaufferJuly 30, 2015
Dear Woodmont,I am writing these words from the Outer Banks, NC
where we have been vacationing with Megans family the
past week. I am about to begin the final stretch of my
sabbatical and look forward to being back in the pulpit
HomecomingSunday, Aug. 16to begin a new series on Marks gospel. As
you know, you can get away but youre never really away in this
digital age.
I wrote to you about a month ago in our newsletter regarding
Woodmonts Reality. Simply put, our church must find a way to
coexist with multiple beliefs and opinions regarding difficult
social and spiritual issues that polarize Christians. Christian
unity has always been our polar star. On the issue of same sex
marriage, our churchs stance is honest and straightforward: we
agree to disagree. Roy articulated this concept very well in his
sermon on July 26. This makes Woodmont unique and different from
many other churches and exposes us to perspectives different from
our own.
Many of you have reached out to ask me how I feel about this
topic. Personally, I am a supporter of traditional marriage as
being between a man and a woman. I find both theological and
biblical grounds for this position. This view does not in any way
mean that I am homophobic, bigoted, or close minded and I am
saddened when that is inferred. I can assure you I am well read on
this issue and have prayed about it diligently. Having said that,
there are many in our church whom I love and deeply respect who
feel differently and rejoice in the Supreme Courts decision to
allow same sex couples to marry in every state. I do not question
their integrity or faith. I respect their views and ask them to
respect mine. There are good, honest people on both sides of this
issue speaking from their beliefs, heart, and conscience. Healthy
dialogue is essential in a church like ours.
Our church board, with the input of our Elders, will be charged
with reviewing our entire wedding policy and deciding if same sex
weddings will be allowed at Woodmont in the future. This will not
be a rushed process or decision because of the complexity of the
issue. As a congregational church, we value the input of our
members. You are welcome to contact a minister, elder, or board
member to share your thoughts and convictions. My ongoing hope and
prayer is that civility, respect, kindness, and faithful
disagreement will be present throughout this entire process. I also
believe that Woodmont is much larger than any one issue. We are a
strong, vibrant, missional church for many reasons, one being our
ability to disagree and still love and respect each other in the
process. I look forward to seeing you soon.Blessings,
Dr. Clay StaufferSr. Minister
Earlier in the summer, I recommended a book by Frances Taylor
Gench titled Faithful Disagreement. This book seems to speak to
where many churches and Christians are in wrestling with the
divisive and emotional topic of same sex marriage. In the letter
that I sent to the congregation July 30, I stated the fact that
there are good people, deeply committed Christians, with
differing perspectives. Attacking or ridiculing somebody for their
beliefs (either way) is wrong. Disagreeing with them is perfectly
fine. Intelligent Christians for and against same sex marriage have
studied the Bible, prayed, and have reached different conclusions.
In the first chapter, Gench says, Differing interpretations of
scripture, over matters about which we care deeply, can become a
source of disunity and enormous pain. (Gench 1) Any minister is
fully aware of this. Although I think the terms are vague and
overused, some people want to make this another
liberal/conservative battle. Its not that simple. Gench
says, Those of us who are liberals often allege that our
conservative Christian kin are just proof-texting, reading very
selectively. Those of us who are conservatives all too frequently
argue that liberals dont even care about the Bible they consider it
irrelevant. (Gench 9) I have clearly found over the years that
people hold deep, personal views and convictions on this issue, and
manydont understand how somebody could hold a different view than
they do. As Christians, we have to wrestle with the scripture. It
is our sacred text. As a church that agrees to disagree on many hot
topics, we cannot attack other people for their views and beliefs.
Thats not who we are. The leadership of our church, ministerial and
lay, has a responsibility for the health and well-being of the
entire congregation and the many lives that Woodmont impacts and
changes on a daily basis. Some have told me, When it comes to this
issue, I just dont think its possible to agree to disagree. I think
it is. Thats why I am a Disciples Minister. Its just not simple or
easy.
Faithful Disagreement by Clay Stauffer
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pg 3
What is Woodmont Church? by Roy StuafferWhat is Woodmont
Christian
Church? Woodmont was and is Oren Wayne Puckett. Wayne was born
August 14, 1933 and died July 18, 2015. I met Wayne when I came to
Woodmont seven years ago. He was a good looking, sharp dressing man
with beautiful long silver-white hair and always a big smile. Wayne
was always a very active member of
Woodmont in church every Sunday, in Sunday School, at the Bridge
Sunday nights, at the Wednesday night suppers, and a part of the
Geezers mens group.
Wayne Puckett was a school teacher and principal in the Davidson
County school system. Years ago he had a television show in which
he taught science. My wife Anne grew up watching Mr. Puckett on TV.
When she first met him in person here at Woodmont she exclaimed,
Oh, youre Mr. Puckett! She told him she always had a crush on him
as a girl.
After years in the Nashville school system, Wayne was offered a
great job as head of all the television education programs in the
Denver school system. So he moved to Colorado to begin the most
exciting part of his career. But he wasnt in Denver long before his
only brother became critically ill. So Wayne moved back to
Nashville to care for his brother, allowing his brothers wife to
continue working and raising their three children. Wayne stayed at
his brothers side for over two years until his brother died.
But thats just the way Wayne was very generous, loving, and
caring for others. He joined Woodmont in 2006 and always gave 15%
of his income to the church annually. He also gave a $15,000
oriental rug to the church, which is now in the Bay Room where the
Spiritual Journeys for Women class meets each Sunday. Wayne
volunteered with the Mobile Loaves and Fishes ministry (now
Nashville Food Project) to feed the homeless. He would make
sandwiches and then drive the truck to deliver them. He would also
go pick up church members who could no longer drive, and bring them
to church on Sundays. And his smiling face often turned up when
Woodmont members were in the hospital.
Wayne Puckett was a big part of the Stauffer family. When Clay
and his family would go out of town, Wayne would pick them up,
drive them to the airport, and then meet them again when they came
back home. While they were gone, Wayne went to the parsonage daily
to feed Clays dogs and exercise them several times a day. He loved
Clays yellow lab Tucker, and was there at the grave-site service
when Tucker died of cancer. He was also a best friend to their King
Charles Spaniel Bailey. Bailey still misses Wayne.
When I was in the hospital to have heart valve surgery two years
ago, Wayne showed up volunteering to be the doorkeeper. Due to
complications, I was in ICU for
17 days and didnt need visitors. Wayne said hed keep everyone
out. So every morning he appeared, in a coat and tie, newspaper
under his arm, and a cup of coffee to guard my room. He got
frustrated with me when I wanted to see everyone who came by
anyhow.
As a part of my recovery, they gave me one of those plastic
gismos that youre supposed to inhale and keep the little balls in
the air to make sure you dont get pneumonia. The nurse told Wayne I
was supposed to do it about ten times a day. Wayne didnt hear her
right and had me doing it about ten times every hour! He later
said, There I was, trying to help you heal, and I almost killed
you!
A few years ago Wayne developed back trouble and had to have
surgery. Then he developed congestive heart trouble which put him
in the hospital. When he next developed kidney failure, he was sent
to Alive Hospice to live out what he thought would be his remaining
months. He was very clear that he was not afraid of dying, that if
it was his time to go, he was ready. But, his kidneys started
functioning again and after his Medicare-allotted days in Alive
Hospice were used up, he had to move elsewhere. I told him he was
the only person I ever knew who got kicked out of Hospice.
After a few more months in assisted living, Waynes body began to
shut down again. The last night of his life he was taken back to
Alive Hospice. He loved it there and that was where he said he
wanted to die. We had long talks about death and what lies beyond.
I told him that when he got to the other side to try his best to
contact me. He said he would. He stepped over to that other side
about ten hours after getting back to Alive Hospice.
Yes, Wayne Puckett was and is the spirit of Woodmont Christian
Church. He would do anything for anyone to make their life better.
He was a most loving, caring, and generous man. And, you know what,
I never knew what he thought about same-sex marriage.
- Roy
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pg 4
by Michael GrahamCirca eighteen years ago, our
long-time music director, Jim Jarrett, retired from his post and
his position was filled for a year by Thom Mitchell. Thom moved
back to Texas, leaving the directorship open again, and when
offered, I agreed to fill it. Thom had been playing for the newly
created 9:30 service. We
decided to create a pianist position for that service and
combine it with a rehearsal accompanist for the choir. A good
friend of mine recommended Sarah Huffman, saying, Youll be glad you
hired her. That was quite an understatement.
At the time, I dont recall even knowing she was an accomplished
organist, (about one in twenty are formally trained in both piano
and organ) and I certainly didnt know she played the violin. Along
the way, I found out she was also a recording session singer and
music editor. Her gifts were so numerous, it began to get spooky,
as if God had sent us Wonder Woman disguised as a humble musical
servant, ready to fill in whatever the music department needed. Did
I mention that she had formal harpsichord experience (think Hndels
Messiah)?
By now, you may have heard that Sarah, who works full-time for
Word Music as an Editor and Projects Manager, is retiring her
position at Woodmont. Fortunately for all of us, she is not
stomping off to another church, but simply needing to devote extra
time elsewhere. Her full-time job is demanding enough! We will
continue to see her playing in the consort and filling in when
organ is needed for major works and I am busy directing. God is
good!
The many talents of Sarah Huffman are not even her greatest
strength, for she has given us a wonderful example of a servants
mind and heart, two entities that come only from one who is in
joyful relationship with God. When I think of Sarah, I am reminded
of J.K. Rowlings statement, It is our choices that show who we
truly are, more than our abilities.
Sixteen years ago, we were in need of an alto section leader for
the chancel choir. After interviewing several singers, one struck
me as a good choice. Her name was Shelby Strickland. Being the
gracious God that He is, we were again blessed with an
extraordinary talent. Shelby has filled the position with finesse,
being both a gifted, versatile soloist (she can lyrically do formal
literature and blow the lid off the folky stuff) and a terrific
section leader who truly takes the time to assist those around her.
Shelby has leadership qualities and she admirably exercised them by
organizing and leading rehearsals for our vocal ensemble, which
performs three to four times a year. In addition to her musical
talents and organizational skills, Shelby has a humble Spirit and
to top it off, a great sense of humor. She recently married Kaley
Junkins, a talented guitarist, and the two of them are moving to
Springfield, TN.
In closing, please allow me to paraphrase an admonition by Paul
in his writings to the Romans. May you receive (them - Sarah and
Shelby) in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give
(them) any help (they) may need from you, for (they) have been a
great help to many people, including me.
Sarah and Shelby will continue to share their talents through
August.
Sarah Huffman
Shelby Junkins
Anne Stauffer is an ordained Minister of Pastoral Counseling and
a Trauma and Addictions Therapist. She has over 35 years of
experience as a Counselor, Sunday School teacher, and workshop
leader; she also ownsThe Cottage in the Woods Ministry Center, and
she is the author of the book The Way to Stillness.
Anne leads two Sunday School Classes in addition to DivorceCare
which is offered during the Fall on Wednesday evening. Spiritual
Journeys for Women (9:30 a.m. in The Bay Room) is a class designed
to challenge your old models of religion while opening you to a
wider more fulfilling Biblically based spiritual horizon.
Women seeking deeper growth and fresh inspiration are encouraged
to attend this class. Spiritual Journeys Class 2nd Hour (Co-ed at
11:00 a.m. in The Bay Room) is a class group dedicated to sharing
its experience, strength and hope based on the 12 steps of life in
Christ and spiritual principles for more abundant living. Both
classes offer dynamic opportunities for discussion and expression
in a safe, confidential, facilitated and uplifting environment.
Rev. Anne Stauffer is Preaching This Sunday, During 9:30 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. Worship
Sermon Title: We Are All Wounded Healers Scripture: Psalm
147:1-6
God wants to heal our brokenness and bind up our wounds.
Annes Sunday School Classes Will Resume 8/16!
Preaching This Sunday Morning - Reverend Anne Stauffer
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pg 5
Spotlight on Living Generously, Changing Lives: Society of St.
Andrew and Men of ValorSociety of St. Andrew (SoSA)
The Society of St. Andrew is an ecumenical non-profit
organization that saves and rescues fresh produce, which is
unmarketable for various reasons, and donates it to feed hungry
Americans. With the help of tens of thousands of volunteers every
year they save millions of pounds of food that otherwise would be
wasted and feeds the hungry for about two cents per serving. The
Tennessee Gleaning Network regional offices of SoSA are located
here in Nashville.
Because of Woodmonts support and generosity, in 2014, the
Tennessee Gleaning Network of the Society of St. Andrew was able
to:
Rescue 1,034,888 pounds of produceDistribute 3,104,664 servings
of foodServe 180 Tennessee agenciesWork with 155 produce
providersReceive 4,148 hours of volunteer help
Thank you for your part in feeding the hungry in TN.Visit
www.endhunger.org/tennessee for more information about SoSAs work
in Tennessee.
Men of ValorOur Mission Statement: Men of Valor is committed
to
winning men in prison and their families to Jesus Christ and
discipling them on an ongoing basis. Our purpose is for them to
become givers to the community rather than takers.
It is with deep gratitude that we express our thanks to you for
all you have done to help this ministry. The faithfulness of your
church and its members are an example of Christ-like service and
compassion that certainly gives God the glory! We are seeing some
good fruit/harvest with a good number of me, and of course, that is
a blessing to all. Woodmonts gift in 2014 helped to underwrite:
Childrens Christmas giftsFamily Christmas gatheringsTaking
children to special events they would not
usually experienceOngoing prison and aftercare
programmingSincerely,Raul Lopez, Executive Director
Visit www.men-of-valor.org for more information about Men of
Valors work in Tennessee.
Happy August Birthdays!1 Georgia Harb
Betsy Hendrick Terri King Angela McMillin Thompson Joyner
2 Heather Glasgow Joyce White Luke Elliott Josh Cheng Madison
Rudd
3 Jerri Malloy Sissy Rogers Andrew Chelton
4 Robyn Arab Cristin Lewis Grace Lee
5 Beth Cashion Cindy Walker Patrick Quinn
6 Joyce Burton Bill Alford Robbie Sinks Ellen Cochran Lizzy
White Seymour Michelle McWhorter
7 Elizabeth Regen Marcella Derryberry Chris Paisley
Jennifer Walker Leah Harwell Marisa Taveau Matthew Miccioli
8 Billy Hamburg Pat Malone
9 Alberta Martin Isse Waddey Natasha Rollins Lullah Quinn
Caroline Bacon
10 John Hobby Amanda Howell Annie Hendrick Maggie Holifield
11 Elizabeth Johnson Saramac Wallace Jackson Arnholt
12 Taylor Groom 13 Bob Nichols
Brooke Huffman Maggie Sheridan
14 Gayle Maloney 15 Roberta Eckert 16 Ann Troxler
Rob Bearden 17 Claire Drowota
David Conrad
Margaret Davidson Houston Hartle Bray Martin
18 Toby Gray Betty Johnson Judy Davis Linda Webb Linda Whitson
Laura Wasson Kate Woodard
19 Suzanne Nelson Christy Waller
20 Mike Stewart Bill Heyne Mark Cannon Maggie Faber Brenton Lowe
Annalise Bacon
21 Harriet Medlin Matthew White Richmond Williams Justin
Lowe
22 Dena Collins Carson Ray Meredith DeVault
23 Corinne Smith 24 Phillip Suiter
Grant Smothers
Jay Everett Luke Schuyler Ricki Adkins Mia Rutledge Wilson
Jackson
25 Joann Tomlin Dai Wilson
26 Cynthia Beck Caroline Hamburg Bryan Keane Ralph Parsons
Charles Howell Jeff King Erica Sowell Hailey Wright Chloe
Shaffer
27 Macie Smitherman Robin Heyne Mike Wright Caroline Drury Avery
Ray
28 Kathryn Gibson 29 John Michael Clark 30 Joe Bandy
Christian Heyne 31 John Galloway
Cathy Johnson Brad Northcut
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pg 6
Circle 5 Volunteered for the CURES Project Saturday July 25.
Left - Right: Julia Tanner, Susan Hammonds-White (Circle 5 Leader),
Ladonna Cooper, Sheila Mathias, Peggy Walker, Patricia Taylor.
If you are interested in sharing the love of Christ in the
presence of your sisters please contact Martha Hobby, Circle Womens
Fellowship President at [email protected].
One of Woodmonts many Fellowship Dinner Groups enjoying
fellowship and food at Cocos Restaurant July 23. Left - Right:
Theresa McCoy, Julia Tanner, Connie
Schmutz, Millie Moore, Angela Powers, Wilson Wattenbarger, Chip
Phinizy, Patricia Taylor, Woody Powers, Phil Schmutz, Mary Beth
McLaurine.
If you are interested in joining a Fellowship Dinner Group,
contact Mary Clare Pyron at [email protected]
Soup & Salad Dinner, 6:00 p.m. After The Bridge Worship This
Sunday
The second Sunday of the month, The Bridge Worship is followed
by The Bridge Soup and Salad Dinner - a free and delicious homemade
soup and salad dinner. Invite your friends and family, and enjoy
this opportunity to attend evening worship and make new friends
over a great meal! This Sunday at The Bridge Worship
Referenced in Clay Stauffers article on page 2, copies of
Faithful
Disagreement are available for purchase in The Spire
Bookstore
on Sunday mornings. If you would like to reserve a copy to pick
up
this Sunday, email Sara deBetten-court at
[email protected].
Challenge Class Sunday School
Following the completion of the Challenge Classs current study,
we will begin studying the DVD series of God in America: What is it
about the American experience and American character that prompted
faith here to evolve differently from the Old World? The
award-winning PBS series will be viewed and used as a platform to
discuss how our nation developed its own unique religious
views.Challenge Class meets at 9:30 a.m. in Room 200.
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pg 7
FALL2015
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By Our Presence and Our Gifts Deacons Serving August 9, 2015
Elders Serving August 9, 2015Date Sun. School Total Atd. Operating
Communion Prep: Barbara Sullivan
Service Coordinator9:30 - Tom Dovan 11:00 - Linda Webb
Video Camera: 9:30 - Jeremy Pratt 11:00 - Jim Hester
9:30 a.m. Pat Malone
and Jack Derryberry
11:00 a.m. Rich Sanderson
and Marcella Derryberry
Pat Malone (Hospital)
5:15 p.m. Donovan McAbee
July 12 230 734 $23,423July 19 255 692 $46,026July 26 268 684
$33,631
August 2 252 583 $32,996Worship Services - August 9, 2015
Morning Worship 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.Rev. Anne Stauffer,
Preaching
Title: "We Are All Wounded Healers" Scripture: Psalm 147:1-6 God
wants to heal our brokenness and bind up our wounds.
The Bridge Worship, 5:15 p.m. in Drowota Hall Justin Gung,
Preaching
Staff Serving WoodmontDr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister
Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Adult Education & Church
LifeRev. Justin Gung, Minister of Children & Congregational
Care
Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Andra
Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Creative Directors, "The
Bridge"
Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Youth & "The Bridge"Thom
Schuyler, Director of College, Young Adults, Missions &
Outreach
Tallu Quinn, Director of The Nashville Food ProjectMichael
Graham, Director of Music Ministry
Mary Clare Pyron, Parish Nurse & Small Groups
Coordinator
Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Sara deBettencourt, Communications
Director
Rebecca Vaughan, Receptionist Linda Whitson, Staff
Administrator
Chris Beck, Finance Manager Maddison Grigsby, Childrens Ministry
Coordinator
Martha Duff, Director of Preschool
Sam Marsh, Property & Housekeeping ManagerJoe Badawy,
Housekeeping
Shirley Taylor, HousekeepingStephen Austin, Housekeeping
9:30 a.m.Chad Greer
Billy CrawfordErik Milam
John WeldonHope Walker
Mike McConnellJennifer Ottinger Peggy Burrahm
11:00 a.m.Jerry JohnsonPatricia Taylor
Stephen QuinnSandra Kyne
Sara Anne QuinnLaurie Hester
Laura StephanDon Hart
5:15 p.m.Andrew Chelton
Stephanie CheltonTami Buchanan
Sara Kate HooperRenee Porier
Next Weeks CalendarSunday, August 99:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship
Services (Sanctuary)10:30 a.m. Hymn Choir Rehearsal (Choir
Room)5:15 p.m. The Bridge - ReImagine Worship (DH)6:00 p.m. The
Bridge Soup (DH)Monday, August 104:00 p.m. The Geezers Mens Group
(BR)5:15 p.m. Cub Scouts (DH)6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (DH)Tuesday,
August 119:00 a.m. Womens Prayer Group (C/S)Wednesday, August
126:15 a.m. Mens Small Group (100)7:00 a.m. Mens Bible Study (105)
Younger Mens Bible Study (BR) Stephen Ministry (100, 232, Library,
C/S)Thursday, August 13 Library Workday
The Elders of Woodmont Invite You to Join Them in Prayer for:
All the school children and teachers returning to school now and
the next
few weeks that they may have a successful, productive and safe
school year. The newly elected leaders of our community that they
will serve effectively
and wisely. Continued guidance for the discernment of Gods will
for the future of our
Church. Respect and love for each other when we agree to
disagree on any topic, as
has been our history.
Prayers for Our Church FamilyNew ConcernsNix Joyner, son of
Jamie and Seth JoynerContinuing ConcernsLuAnn BrentPat Nichols,
WoodcrestBob NicholsNancy GriffithBecky GriffithAl RichardsonElaine
MarklandDonnie Creighton, Woodcrest RehabYot Williams, Richland
PlaceMilitaryCody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender;
son-in-law of Steve & Judy Wilson, Middle EastSympathy Tothe
family of Marion Booker, a Woodmont Charter Member, who passed away
on August 2, 2015. Visitation will be August 15 from 2:00-3:00 pm
at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home with a graveside service at 3:00
pm.Mrs. Booker was 100 years old!Give ThanksMattie Chandler, mother
of Cynthia Beck
In All Things, Love preached by Trey Flowers July 19th at
Morning Worship is now available in audio mp3 and video format
on line at
www.woodmontchristian.org/Sermons.aspx
