03
Feb 2021
On August 18th of 2019, many of us stood outside on a blazing hot summer day to break ground on our new chapel and children’s area. Woodmont had just celebrated its 76th birthday a month before. Although construction took longer than we originally anticipated, I am now happy to report that our new addition is complete and looks phenomenal! This grand addition to our church is the result of many years of visioning, planning, and growth. We have countless people, both lay and staff, who have worked tirelessly to see this project......
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21
Jan 2021
This Sunday, January 24, our two in-person sanctuary services (9:15 and 10:30) will return with our safety protocols in place (masks, temperature checks, social distancing). We will also continue our online service and live stream the 9:15. Dr. Rubel Shelly and I are currently leading a Wednesday night class at 6:30 on “Christianity in a Post-Corona World.” We invite you to join us. 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for all, but especially for churches, priests, and ministers. Leading a faith community is difficult and taxing during normal times, much less during......
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12
Jan 2021
I teach a class at Vanderbilt on faith, politics, and rapid polarization in American culture and how the digital age has now ushered in unprecedented anger, incivility, and a crisis of truth. The research in this field is grounded in moral psychology and the basic foundations of liberal, conservative, and moderate ideologies. NYU professor Jonathan Haidt is a prominent figure whose work is highly respected. In his book The Happiness Hypothesis he says: “My research confirms the common perception that liberals are experts in thinking about issues of victimization, equality, autonomy, and......
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05
Jan 2021
Happy New Year! As we enter 2021, Tennessee remains in a very difficult place related to surging cases of Covid-19. In conversation with our Board and out of respect for the wishes of our Mayor and Governor, we have decided to remain virtual for the next two Sundays (Jan 10th & 17th) for worship. We plan to return to the sanctuary on January 24th with our safety protocols in place. We will also continue to offer our online and live-streamed services. Our leadership continues to monitor the Covid situation. We pray for......
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27
Dec 2020
Somebody once said, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” But this year, we have lost many lives. Over 330,000 people in our country started 2020 with absolutely no idea that a novel RNA virus would bring their life to an abrupt end. Whether they died “from” Covid-19 or “with” Covid-19 really doesn’t matter. They are no longer here. Their families are left grieving. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life is fragile, unpredictable, and should not be taken for granted. Christmas is now over and we only have......
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17
Dec 2020
Christmas is only eight days away but will certainly be different this year. The pandemic is altering the way we usually experience the holidays with our friends and families. In a normal year at this time, churches would be full, parties would be rocking, families and friends would be together. This year, many will not see their loved ones except from a distance or on a digital screen. Yes, this is sad, disappointing, and hard for many of us to accept because Christmas is a time to be together and not apart.......
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02
Dec 2020
Advent is here, but we all know it will be different this year. We are now offering TWO Sunday morning worship services in the sanctuary – 9:15 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. This will allow us to continue our safety protocols and social distancing. We are still offering the pre-recorded service and we are livestreaming the 9:15 service online. Also, nursery and a very scaled back children’s Sunday School is now available up through second grade during the 9:15 service but you must RSVP to have a spot. Only nursery care is available......
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24
Nov 2020
We are about to begin the Advent Season. This is one of the best times of the church year. Our leadership retreat with Susan Beaumont was excellent. She spent time with the Board, Elders, Deacons, and Staff. She is encouraging our church to “lean in” to this time and “reinvent” how we do church. We must keep moving forward responsibly, and let people choose what they are comfortable doing. Beaumont was very clear that this pandemic will last for a while (well into 2021) and things will look different on the other side. Digital church is not......
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17
Nov 2020
The election is over. It appears that Joe Biden has received enough votes to become the 46th President of the United States. Lawsuits are pending in multiple states. Recounts are happening in certain places. We have ongoing accusations of voter fraud, ballot manipulation, and foul play at the polls. The President has not conceded and may never do so. What has become very clear to me in the aftermath of this election is not just that we debate winners and losers, that the pollsters were wrong again, or that there was no......
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03
Nov 2020
We have now moved into the month of November, so I wanted to write and give you a few general updates of plans we are making here at the church. Health and safety continues to be a top priority in everything we do. At the same time, the church must press on and live out its mission. • Rev. Susan Beaumont will lead our Virtual Fall Leadership Retreat this year. The first session is on Saturday morning, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. and the second is on Monday evening Nov. 16, at......
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