Spire - March 4, 2013
Spire - March 4, 2013
Spire - March 4, 2013
SPIRE
March 4, 2013
Mission Statement
Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others
Congratulations to David and Karen Conrad on Receiving the Safe Haven 2013 Hero Award!
Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming 2013 Areas of Focus
Prayer - Presence - Peace
This Weekend!!
woodmontchristian.org
Free childcare provided with reservation. Make your reservation at www.woodmontkids.com today!
Many thanks to John "Jojo" Hermann in his willingness and dedication to raising money for the Nashville Food Project!!
shows up and all he says is, "Follow me." The disciples had no idea where it would lead them. They could not see the aerial view of God's Master plan and yet they laid down their nets and followed Jesus into the labyrinth. At some point on the journey of life, each one of us has heard those words, "Follow me," spoken to the intimate places of our being. The problem is we have a hard time laying down our nets and journeying into the labyrinth, into the unknown in search of God. Following God is hard, unpredictable; it stretches us, and contradicts our human need to be in control of our own destiny. We are each making our way through the labyrinth of Easter, a Lenten pilgrimage of twists and turns before we reach the center, Easter Sunday. There is a rich history of Christians embarking on pilgrimages to encounter God. In our own time, over 300 million people set out on some form of religious pilgrimage every year to Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago, and Lourdes. Countless others embark on private journeys of the spirit, trying to step away from the noise of their lives in a quest for something sacred. Archaeologists have determined that this impulse, this need to search for the Divine, dates back to the earliest cultures. I find that my own journey of faith often feels like a journey through a labyrinth. Just when I think I am on the right path I hit a dead end and must set out in another direction, all with hopes of one day reaching the center. It is written into our DNA to spend our lives trying to reach the center, the place where God dwells. We are all "Seekers," yearning to experience something in our lives that is sacred, holy, and more than what we can see with our eyes or reason with our intellect. St. Augustine said, "Lord, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Our time here on Earth is a life-long pilgrimage, a sacred journey to the center of the labyrinth where we will experience union with God. I believe that we are each created in the image and likeness of God with this beautiful divinity deeply embedded within us. It explains this powerful, I would even say supernatural longing we feel for connecting with that which created us. I like to think that we are each fitted with this sacred magnet within our souls that is drawn in such a powerful way to that which is holy, sacred and eternal. Our lives become this journey, this seeking to connect with that divine piece of metal. When our magnet locks in, we finally experience home, unimaginable love and complete union with God. The problem is we ignore the pull, or we try to find other metals to satisfy the longing. It takes courage to simply surrender, walk the road of the pilgrim, and embrace the magnetism of God. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus' disciples embarked on their own journey. The Gospel of Mark shows us Peter and Andrew casting their nets in the sea, living their normal lives as fisherman. Jesus
The Spire is published weekly by: Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 Visit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org (615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-9319 email: wcc@woodmontcc.org Kim Adair, Editor Copyright 2013
Lent is a great wake-up call. It beckons us to ask the question...Am I on the right path? Remember, this is your pilgrimage, not anyone else's. God knows if your heart is fully committed to the journey. Jesus said in Mark 6:8, take neither your purse nor belt for the journey. I believe Jesus is saying, take an account of your life, are you so weighted down by your job, your family, your insecurities, your past baggage, your need to be in control, your fear of death that you are having a hard time making your way down the path, fully seeking the Divine? Or are you just going through the motions? Showing up for church here and there, giving up a prayer when duty calls, writing the quick check to charity? Are you missing the wonder and the mystery and the miraculous of God on your life journey? Life on this side is not perfect. I can promise you that you will find yourself at some point in the valley of the shadows, you will get lost along the way, there will be periods of drought in your faith and you will stumble and have to watch others that you love stumble. But I believe there is a Master Plan, an aerial view that is so full of grace. Here are some secrets to walking the labyrinth: Walk whatever path is set before you with gratitude. Don't miss the beauty on the road. Encourage other pilgrims that cross your path. When the path becomes too difficult, remember that God is walking it with you and has already promised that you will make it to the center! Live in Hope, Farrell P.S. Even though I am on maternity leave, I am busy writing each week on my "Bread and Honey" blog for you. My blog hopes to offer spiritual nourishment for the mind, body, and soul! You can expect spiritual reflections, recipes, book suggestions, and much more! I hope you will sign up at www.breadandhoneyblog.net and receive my email every Monday morning! See you back in church soon!
When I was serving a little church in rural Georgia, one of If you agree with that, then why don't we do something about my members had a relative who died, and Patsy and I went to the it. As Rick Warren says, "We will spend more time on the other funeral as a show of support for the family. The funeral was in a side of death than this side. So only a fool would not get ready little, hot, crowded, off-brand Baptist country church. Well, I for what he knows is definitely coming." have never seen anything like it. They wheeled the coffin in; the preacher began to preach. He shouted, fumed, flayed his arms. Of course, I hope Christianity means more than just "getting into heaven." To me it means becoming more like Jesus while "It's too late for Joe," he screamed. "He might have wanted to we live in this world. And Lent is the 40-day period leading up do this or that in life, but it's too late for him now. He's dead. It's to Easter when we are called to be more serious than usual about all over for him. He might have wanted to straighten his life out, that. Lent is halfway over now. Life is halfway over now or but he can't now. It's over." maybe more. How serious are we about our spirituality, and where it is, or isn't, leading us? What a comfort this must be to the family, I thought. When Jeff Dyer died recently, his wife Jane reflected on their "But it ain't too late for you! People drop dead every day. So marriage and said, "Forty-nine years. Where did it go?" So will why wait? Now is the time for decision. Now is the time to make we reflect on our lives, before we know it, and say, "Where did it your life count for something. Give your life to Jesus!" go?" But maybe better yet, we ought to ask, "Where is it going?" Well, that was the worst thing I ever heard. "Can you imagine a preacher doing that kind of thing to a grieving family?" I asked Patsy on the way home. "I've never heard anything so manipulative, cheap, and inappropriate. I would never preach a sermon like that," I said. Lent is halfway over. How have you spent it? ~Roy
As people of faith, we must always remember that God is on both of these warm fuzzy lists: The list of who loves us, and the list of who we love! Now here's a question for you: What are You could give a warm fuzzy to someone for being nice to some ways we can share warm fuzzies with God? you, to brighten their day or to tell them you loved them. The price was steep for a warm fuzzy, though: 50 cents! I planned Every one may have unique answers to this question, but for my warm fuzzy budget this way: I'd save my milk money from me, my favorite way is to sing. Take a few moments to think lunch for three days, and by the end of the week, I'd have just about ways that you can share warm fuzzies with your friends, enough money to buy a warm fuzzy plus a tootsie pop. family, neighbors and with God this week. Of course, we grown-ups are so smart that we know now that warm fuzzies are actually free! They are simply the happy ~Andra
Greatest Love Story by Stephen Daniel King, Creative Director for "The Bridge"
This past week has been quite busy for me. The good news, however, is I've managed to sneak in a two hour "nap" in the last 48 hours. It's currently late on a Sunday evening and in an attempt to unwind and unplug, my sleep-deprived eyes have been mindlessly scanning my Twitter feed. As if that helps anything. Apparently, as I write this, the History Channel is debuting its brand new series called "The Bible: The Greatest Story Ever Told." Friends of mine have been tweeting and re-tweeting about it, I've noticed a couple paid advertisements singing its praises, and of course there's that one person sardonically live-tweeting everything "Hollywood" about it. So far, God is akin to Saruman from Lord of the Rings, John the Baptist is Scottish, and the Pharisees wear so much eye-liner, the next logical step is to form a punk-rock band. I'm sure I'll end up watching the series eventually. Perhaps when there's nothing left in my Netflix queue. I do think it's beautiful that someone found this Story worthy to be told in such a grand way. That's certainly more than I can say for myself at times. But I'm not convinced such a grand story always needs to be communicated so grandly. It seems a common thing during Lent is to give something up in order to focus more on God. We simplify, we rid ourselves of distraction. So in that spirit of complex simplicity, know this during this Lenten season. God loves you immensely. God even likes you immensely. And as much as we fall short of it, we are to imitate and reflect that love to everybody around. And that's kind of it. It's simple. And it's difficult. But that's it. That's the greatest story ever told. It's the ultimate love story. And we as the church are to be known for our love. So, if nothing else, tell that story. And if it helps, use a Scottish accent. ~Stephen
WCC YOUTH
Youth This Week
(March 4-10) Wednesday, March 6 5:45 p.m. 5-Star Dinner 6:30 p.m. Current Events & Bible Study in Room 235 7:30 p.m. Dismissal Sunday, March 10 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Jubilation-Please join us, one and all! 11:15 a.m. Chi Rho & CYF Sunday school Noon Dismissal Noon - CYF Sack Lunch & Radnor Walk (Details forthcoming via e-mail) 2:30 p.m. Return to Woodmont & Dismissal/Pick-Up Mark Your Calendars April 5-7: Chi Rho Spring Retreat at Bethany Hills May 5: Youth Sunday & Senior Banquet Summer Church Camp Schedule June 2-8: CYF June 30-July 6: Eighter's July 21-27: Chi Rho
Adult
Education
Remember to set your Clocks Ahead 1-hour for Daylight Savings this weekend!
Menu - March 13 Barbeque Chicken Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Baked Beans
Andy Gump's Savory Cole Slaw
Decadent Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache Chess Squares Pizza for the kids
Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Whipped Topping Luscious Lemon Bars Pizza for the kids
card," by calling the church office (297-8563), emailing the church office at sspivy@woodmontcc.org. or thru the website at: www.woodmontchristian.org. The deadline is Monday by noon. Price structure: Adults $8, Children 4 years old thru 5th grade $4 and family cap $28.
Introduction to Woodmont
We offer a free monthly luncheon and class to teach visitors and new members about our beliefs, values, and community. Introduction to Woodmont is a brief look at the Disciples of Christ denomination and our own congregation. Visitors and members alike are invited to join us for lunch and a lively conversation with our church ministers about what it means to be a part of the Woodmont family. The next introduction to Woodmont class and luncheon will be on Sunday, March 24, at 12:15 p.m. in the Boardroom. Free childcare will be provided if requested in advance by calling the church office at 297-8563.
March 26th Judge Frank Drowota April 23rd Judge Seth Norman May 28th "GEMS: Premier Red Carpet Event"
More information to follow! Watch the Spire for details.
featuring Vince Gill, Jonell Mosser, Gabe Dixon, and Andrew Peterson, silent auction and homemade Italian dinner (all major credit cards accepted) to benefit
To Make Reservations:
or offering plate on Sunday.
Check Enclosed
Pay at Door
Congregation: ____________________________
Please make checks payable to: Disciples Divinity House 1917 Adelicia Street, Nashville, TN 37212 Note: Talent 4 the House Reservations needed by Thursday, March 28, 2013
Details to Follow (Space is limited so please make your plans to attend now!)
Questions?
Please call Mary Glynn Williamson at 330-2594 or send your questions to: maryglynnwilliamson@gmail.com
My family and I want to thank the congregation and staff of Woodmont for all the love, support and strength you gave to us during my husband, Bryan's, illness and death. We were comforted by and grateful for your presence. Most thankfully, Pat Stanley
Safe Haven 2013 Hero Award Event Honoring David and Karen Conrad
Saturday, March 2
The deadline for articles and announcements to go in The Spire is Friday by Noon. Please send submissions to Kim at kadair@woodmontcc.org. Thanks!
If you would like to reserve a room at the church to meet, please contact Kim at the church office (297-8563) or email (kadair@woodmontcc.org) to make your reservation.
Stars (2 Yrs)
Loaves & Fishes
Frogs (4 Yrs) Too Afraid to Follow Jesus Betty White Joy & Gloria Jackson Monkeys (5 Yrs/K) Too Afraid to Follow Jesus Laurie Cooper Mari-Kate Hopper
Children's Church Kaitlyn Asher Christy Brown 11:00 4th/5th Grade Class How Holy Week Begins Ronda Hirst Donuts/Coffee Still Needed
Claire Drowota Porter Meadors Pandas (3 Yrs) Easter Christi Williams Becky Griffith
Bulletin Board
Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, March 6 6:15 a.m. Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) 5:35 p.m. 5-Star Dinner (DH) 6:15 p.m. JYF Kids Club (KC) 6:30 p.m. DivorceCare (Bay); Choir Practice (CR) Leadership Woodmont (200) Stephen Ministry (100, 107, Library) Youth Bible Study (CHI RHO, CYF) 6:35 p.m. Special Guest, Dr. Amy Jill Levine (105) Thursday, March 7 Library Workday 7:00 p.m. Restore Classes (200, BR & Youth Rooms) Saturday, March 9 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Habitat Build (Off-Campus) 9:00 a.m. - Noon Parenting on Point with Jim Williams (DH) Sunday, March 10 Fourth Week of Lent 7:00 - 3:00 p.m. Habitat Build (Off-Campus) 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:45 p.m. Woodmont Knitters (GH) 5:45 p.m. The Bridge Service (DH) 6:30 p.m. After The Bridge Soup/Salad Dinner (DH) Monday, March 11 4:00 p.m. Small Group for Men (BR) 5:45 p.m. Personnel Meeting (200) Tuesday, March 12 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (CS) 10:00 a.m. CWF Circle 2 (105) Circle 6 @ TNFP (SH) 10:30 a.m. Circles 1, 3 & 7 (Off-Campus) 11:30 a.m. Circle 4 (Off-Campus) 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Disciples Class "Welcome" Party (Off-Campus) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (234)
*Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns will now only be listed for up to one month. If you wish to have a continuing concern remain on the list after one month, please renew your request each month by calling the church office.*
Let Us Know:
Have information about someone in the hospital or with another ministry need? Please notify the church office during the week (297-8563) and Let Us Know.
DEACON SCHEDULE
March 10, 2013
Communion Prep: Service Coordinator: Video Camera: Kristen Malone 9:30 - Jay Hollomon 11:00 - Rich Sanderson 9:30 - Paul Hardin 11:00 - Kristen Malone 5:45 p.m. Rich Sanderson Scott Holley Liz Holley
9:30 a.m. Billy Crawford David Reynolds 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge Rev. Justin Gung, preaching Grant Smothers Lenten Sermon Series: "Lead Me On" Katherine Hartle Sermon Title: "A Theological Survey of the Topography of Life" Tom Dovan Scripture: Psalm 23 Laura Dovan Milly Moore Weekly Prayer Partner Anne-Marie Farmer Saving Station Christian Church, Memphis, TN
11:00 a.m. Bob Garrard Stuart Lackey Don Mitchell Steven McGinty Pam Hardin Jeremiah Pyron Jean Ramsey
9:30 a.m. Alan Sowell and Fran Stewart 11:00 a.m. David Conrad and Chip Phinizy
5:45 p.m.
Richmond Williams