Messenger | April 3, 2024

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Joy & Laughter Sunday
• One Great Hour of Sharing
• April 4th Advocacy Day
• A Thank You Note From Sancti Spiritus
• New Adult Education Class: On Purpose
• Savvy Seniors’ Insights for Aging: Lessons Learned
• Register for VBS
• We’re Looking to Fill Two Administrative Positions

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Ultimately this essay is my chance to say to this congregation both "Godspeed" and "Thank You." Beth and I arrived here in late May 2022 and we benefited immediately from your gracious hospitality as we settled into this community. I've seen the church reopen "post-Covid." I've witnessed the reinvigoration of children's and youth ministries, the commitment Woods has to Mission programs and outreach, the many ways pastoral care and compassionate service is carried out on a daily basis, and how the congregation has welcomed new members and praised God through traditional and contemporary worship services. It is not easy to say "goodbye" to all this.

It's been a joy to walk alongside you as you've had your Holiday Bazaars and welcomed guests through Winter Relief. It's been wonderful seeing the talents of this community through the annual musicals, seasonal concerts, art gallery exhibitions, and excellent music provided for worship. It's been so much fun sharing "Dad jokes" with children through Jammies & Jesus and sitting beside them on the steps each Sunday morning. It's been humbling to witness the skills and dedication of the Rehab group as they gather to fix, repair, garden, and glorify God through their care of our property.

I've learned other things as well:

• I've learned to appreciate the beauty of the Maryland flag, because it is everywhere in this state (especially in crab-shaped car decals)
• I've learned to expect to find crab toppings on just about every imaginable entrée, including hot dogs at the ballpark
• I've learned not to be hesitant when driving on the Beltway or other highways between Annapolis, D.C., and Baltimore, so long as I read the signs carefully and avoid the high-speed drivers in the left-hand lanes
• I've visited all the places you recommended shortly after Beth and I arrived, and have eaten well at the restaurants you suggested
• I've loved the beauty of this region, the cultural richness of the Tri-City Area, and the stunning wildlife/bird life of these wetlands
• I've been humbled by the generosity and commitment you each bring to Woods Church, coming here from an incredible range of professional, educational, government, and civil careers

In the end, the short phrases "Thank You" and "Godspeed" say what needs to be said for now. Meister Eckhart said a long time ago, "If the only prayer you say in your entire life is 'thank you,' it will be enough." To be grateful for the daily gift of life, the daily blessing of friendship, and the daily opportunity to show love—that truly is enough.

I trust that God has been with Woods Church from its beginning and continues to be active in the church to this day. A new chapter is about to unfold. It is not yours to control, and certainly not something for you to fret about. Instead it is one you will walk together, with God through Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. It will lead you to a place you were meant to go, along a path of both challenges and joys you are supposed to travel. Be not afraid!

So, for Beth and myself, to all of Woods Church—Godspeed, my friends. And thank you!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Randy

Church News

Joy & Laughter Sunday

It is a Woods Church tradition to celebrate the first Sunday after Easter with a special service that includes moments of levity, jokes, and good humor. The resurrection of Jesus Christ fills us with joy so it is appropriate to have a Joy & Laughter Sunday on April 7, 9:30AM! As a reminder, there will only be one service this week, followed by a reception to acknowledge the conclusion of Pastor Randy's time at Woods as our interim pastor. Come join in this special day!

Congregation members are encouraged to send along your witticisms to Pastor Randy and Pastor Nancy (rbush@woodschurch.org; nreynolds@woodschurch.org).

Support the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

At Easter time, we are encouraged to support the One Great Hour of Sharing denominational offering. It's the single largest way that Presbyterians come together to work for a better world.



Each gift helps improve the lives of the suffering and the vulnerable through three life-saving programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), providing relief form natural disasters; Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), providing food for the hungry; and Self-Development of People (SDOP), providing support for the poor and oppressed.

Click the button below to support the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Remember, if we all give a little, it adds up to a lot!

Mission News

April 4th Advocacy Day

Join us at the Maryland State House (100 State Circle, Annapolis) on Thursday, April 4, 9:30AM–1PM, for our last statewide advocacy day of the year. We will meet with legislators to make sure the bills we support get across the finish line in the strongest way possible.

• EmPOWER Reform (HB864)
• Housing Expansion & Affordability Act (HB538)
• Renter’s Rights & Housing Stabilization Act (HB693)
• “Good Cause” Eviction (formerly "Just Cause" Eviction) (HB477)

Parking is available at John Whitmore Parking Garage, (37 Clay St.). Make sure to bring your ID so you can get in the State House building.

A Thank You Note From Sancti Spiritus

Since December 2023, the Missions Ministry has been able to purchase food for our sister church in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. For Holy Week, during which they begin each day with a short service, they requested milk and cookies to share with the congregation. Following is a thank you note from Jacqueline Valdes, elder and music director.

"We could offer breakfast every day of Holy Week at the church thanks to your generosity. Yanelys prepared delicious chocolate milk and cookies. I cannot tell you how many of our brothers and sisters do not have milk, and getting bread is also a privilege when it is available to buy. Thanks to ALL on behalf of our church. Hugs and Blessings."

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class: On Purpose

In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion, authors Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, and Susan Robb help us see God's purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God's voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God's call.

Reading this book and exploring life choices alongside others, individuals will learn how to channel their passions, hear God’s voice, and live the life they were meant to live.

We’ll meet on Sundays, April 7–28, 11AM, in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom. Participant books for the series will be on the church office credenza.

Savvy Seniors’ Insights for Aging: Lessons Learned

On Tuesday, April 16, 1–2:30PM, Steve Hilbert, a Woods Church Deacon serving as the Continuity of Care Coordinator, will lead an “across the kitchen table” discussion focusing on lessons learned through personal experience walking with aging parents, honoring their wishes, as they made significant decisions framed in the context of legal matters, advancing chronic illnesses, transition from independent to assisted living, and palliative-hospice care.

Steve is a retired MD PhD who served as a chaplain intern at AAMC while attending seminary and is currently pursuing national board certification as a clinical and pastoral care chaplain.

Youth News

WoodsWork Registration is Open

WoodsWork 2024 Registration closes on Sunday, April 21! We already have more than 70 Youth signed up for this incredible mission opportunity for High School Youth, but we would love to bring even more!

If you are a rising 9th grader through graduated 12th grader, you are eligible to join us on this house-building mission to Roanoke, Virginia, this Summer from June 18–26.

Children's News

The Children Get to Say Goodbye

This Sunday, April 7, our 15-minute church-check—in is back! If you are on the go and can't be here in person, this is the place to play and pray with your church friends. Join us for our first spring 2024 Jammies and Jesus! Pastor Randy will join us, and this is a great opportunity for families and kids to share their gratitude for Pastor Randy's ministry. Plus, we can get in some great "Dad jokes.”

VBS Registration is Open

VBS 2024 will be held July 15–18, 4–7PM, for all children 3-years-old to 5th grade. Come explore how Jesus practices justice, model’s kindness, and walks humbly with God. Children will explore lessons on mercy, compassion, generosity, and encouragement through songs, art, gardening, and story time. The cost is $50 per child with a maximum of $100 per family. Dinner is included for registrants, and we welcome family members to come share a meal with us at 6:30PM. Extra meal tickets will be available for additional family members for $5 per person per night.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from EASTER morning! It was wonderful. The flowers were so pretty! The music was so joyful! And the puppet storytelling...oh, maybe everyone didn't have a puppet for storytelling. Every service was just a little bit different, but we all told the wonderful story that Jesus is not dead. Jesus is alive. Jesus told us to go tell our friends. Jesus promised to meet us along the way.

Just like every Easter service was a little different, I bet everyone told the wonderful news of Jesus being alive in a different way. That reminds me of the story of Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, written by Kimberly and James Dean. Pete really liked a new song and wanted to learn the dance to it. However, everyone kept telling him that he was doing it wrong. He got very sad. Then, the wise owl told Pete, "it doesn't matter how you move as long as you are being you!"

I think we can all dance in our way! AND I think we can all celebrate Easter in our own way. AND I think we can all share the good news in our own way. Some people might send an Easter card. Some people might make a big dinner and invite so many friends and family members. Some people might fill a plastic egg (that I think looks like an empty tomb broken open) with sweet surprises.

I wonder, how will you share the good news? What will your Easter-sharing-dance look like? It doesn't matter how you share the Easter news as long as you are being you, just like Mr. Owl said.

Church Family News

We’re Looking for Two Administrative Positions

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is seeking a Coordinator of Finance—someone to maintain the various church funds and accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the church’s Financial Policies and Procedures Manual. This is a 32-hour per week position. Knowledge of accounting software, REALM, and Microsoft Office applications required.

We also are seeking an Administrative Assistant—someone to support our Property Ministry and general pastoral/church office work. This is a benefit eligible, 32-hour per week position. Basic computer skills are required.

If you are interested in either position, please contact John McLaughlin at 410.647.2550 x335 or jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.



Service for of Marjorie Roxburgh

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Woods member, Marjorie Roxburgh, will be held on Thursday, April 4, 11AM, at Lasting Tributes in Annapolis (814 Bestgate Rd.). Viewing and visitation is Wednesday, April 3, 4–6PM.

Please continue to keep Marjorie’s family and friends in your prayers.

Service for of Sue Brayman

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Woods member, Sue Brayman, will be held at Woods Church on Thursday, April 11, 11AM. A reception will follow.

Please continue to keep Sue’s family and friends in your prayers.

Church Family News

Watch At the River

First Presbyterian Church (171 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis 21401) is inviting other Presbyterian congregations to a showing of a remarkable film called At the River, on Sunday, April 14, 7PM., in their Fellowship Hall. It is a moving film about the challenges faced by Presbyterian pastors in the South during the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Here is a short description:

It is the 1960s, and times are changing. Black people are protesting being treated as second-class citizens, petitioning for the right to vote and for integration in all parts of daily life—schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores and transportation. Push back was happening all over America, but nowhere was that opposition more pronounced than in the South. Many white Presbyterian ministers preaching to congregations in rural communities throughout the South and Southeast joined the Civil Rights movement for equality and justice for all. At the River is based on more than 100 hours of interviews. The film tells their stories about what actions they took and what consequences they faced.

Below is a link to First Presbyterian's David Richardson talking about the film briefly—his mother was one of those interviewed in the film.

The event is free, but space is limited. RSVP by emailing movie@annapolis-presbyterian.com.

Congregational Prayer

O Lord of Easter resurrections, I celebrate that you are alive, almighty, and present. By your grace, keep me fearless and sure as I look for the blessings that await me in the weeks ahead. I will weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who celebrate, and ever tell your story of Easter hope. For I know that the power of your endless love will surround and guide me from this day forth.

Alleluia! Amen.