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April 1, 2026

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Maundy Thursday Dinner Church
• Easter Sunday Greeters Needed
• Children’s Winter Clothing Collection
• Lenten Devotional
• Download Our Lent Brochure
• A Thank You from SPAN
• Ministry of Belonging Lunch and Learn
• Ministry of Belonging Workshop for Youth
• High School Bible Study
• Sunday Kindness Crossroads
• Summer Activities for Kids
• WoodsWork 2026
• Adult Mission Trip, April 20–25
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, as I mentioned last week, we have special services planned for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. In doing so, we are participating in the ancient cycle of services that the ecumenical church has followed for centuries, which has historically been called the “Triduum,” which is simply Latin for “three days.” If you’ve ever wondered why tradition says Jesus was raised on the third day, it’s because the Triduum follows the Jewish tradition of marking days beginning with sunset rather than sunrise, since all of Jesus’ followers that were with him through the events of Holy Week were, of course, Jewish.

That means the first day begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday, in which we recall the institution of the Lord’s Supper and Christ’s “new commandment” that we love one another just as Christ has loved us (the word “Maundy” comes from the Latin for “mandate” or “commandment”). Remember that we are gathering at a different time this year than in recent years: our Maundy Thursday Dinner Church service will begin with an informal gathering time from 6–6:30PM, dinner will begin after an opening song and prayer at 6:30PM, and we will follow the Biblical account of the Last Supper from there, which says that “after supper,” Jesus commanded his disciples to share bread and wine together in spiritual communion with him. So we will have a brief contemplative service of song, prayer, Scripture, a brief pastoral reflection, and Communion, and will plan to conclude around 7:30PM.

The second night of the Triduum begins on Friday night, which we observe as Good Friday with a Service of Tenebrae. Tenebrae is Latin for “darkness,” and that is what the service involves. The focus of this year’s service will be on Matthew’s account of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, trial by the religious authorities, denial by Peter, judgment by Pilate, crucifixion, death, and burial. Each reading will be accompanied by hymns or anthems and time for silent reflection. After each passage is read, a candle on the Communion table is extinguished and the lights of the Sanctuary are lowered, until only the Christ candle is left. It is then processed out of the Sanctuary with “reproaches from the cross,” a traditional lament from Jesus’ perspective. Finally, its light is extinguished, symbolizing the light of Christ going out of the world at his death, and the Sanctuary is left in total darkness until the service concludes, at which point enough light is returned to safely exit in silence. It is a very moving service, and I hope you can join in person or online.

Holy Saturday, in many ways, is the forgotten time of the Triduum, but this was not always the case. It is actually the oldest part of Christian Holy Week observances, going back to the early observances of the ancient church, and before the Middle Ages it was the best-attended service of the year! It was a vigil that began Saturday evening, went all night with prayer, and then ended at dawn with a celebration of Communion on Easter morning. If you want to experience this, though, you will need to visit our friends at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church or St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church here in Severna Park; the Easter Vigil has never been common in Presbyterian churches.

Easter, of course, will be celebrated with a multitude of services, including a sunrise service led by our youth at 6:30AM, traditional services at 8AM and 9:30AM, and a contemporary service at 11AM, as well as a Family Service at 9:30AM in Fellowship Hall. In each of these services, we will gather in person and online to give thanks to God that “Christ is risen; he is risen indeed!” And that will end our observance of the Triduum, which officially concludes Sunday evening, the end of the third day.

I hope you will participate in as many of these rich Holy Week offerings as you are able. I look forward to completing our journey through Lent and Holy Week and to celebrating Christ’s resurrection with you on Easter!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Maundy Thursday Dinner Church

As you know, Maundy Thursday begins the three-day cycle of worship services commemorating Holy Week for Christians. Specifically, it is the remembrance of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, right before he was arrested, in which he instituted the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or Communion, and gave his disciples the "new commandment" to love one another as he has loved us ("Maundy" comes from the Latin for "mandate," or commandment).

This year, Woods will be leaning in to the power of both the Last Supper and the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 2, with a contemplative-style Dinner Church, which is why we are beginning a bit earlier than in previous Holy Weeks. We will gather informally from 6–6:30PM in Fellowship Hall, with dinner itself beginning promptly at 6:30PM, with an opening prayer. Then, following the Scriptural account that says Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper "after supper" (Luke 22:20), we will have a Communion service after dinner that will include contemplative prayer and songs, scripture, a brief pastoral reflection, and Communion.

We hope you will make a point of joining this meaningful and communal start to our Holy Week observances at Woods!

A Thank You from SPAN

SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) profusely thanks the congregation of Woods Church for the very generous Lenten Bag donations. Over 120 blue SPAN bags were filled with food and personal items, and donated to help our brothers and sisters in need. A heartfelt "thank you" to all who could participate!

Children’s Winter Clothing Collection

Spring is almost here! And soon we can switch over our wardrobes to summer clothing. As you pack up your cold weather clothes, please consider donating any outgrown children’s clothing, sizes T2 to Youth 10. We’re collecting winter clothing and coats April 12–26 to be sold at the Bazaar next fall. Look for the big blue bin in the main lobby. All proceeds benefit the mission partners of Woods!

Lenten Devotional Now Available

Our Lenten devotional, Discipleship in a Divided Age, is available. Click here to download a copy.

This daily devotional helps to anchor us in scripture and guide our spiritual practices during this sacred season. This devotional follows the Gospel of Matthew and speaks directly into our moment. Through daily reflections, thoughtful questions and weekly visio divina practices, this resource invites us to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty.

Download Our Lent Brochure

Our Lent brochure provides information about all the worship services, programs, and special activities taking place at Woods Church during the Lenten season. We invite you to explore the many opportunities for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual growth as we journey together toward Easter.

For complete details on dates, times, and events, click here to download a copy or pick one up at the church.

Youth News

Ministry of Belonging Workshop

On Saturday, April 25, 10AM–1PM, we'll be exploring how we can cultivate a more open and affirming space at our Woods Youth programs, specifically considering people of LGBTQ+ identities. If you're interested in how to move from tolerance into love, join us for this exploration of Christ-like acceptance! All youth in grades 6–12 are invited. We'll be gathering in the Youth Room 212, and lunch will be provided.

Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026

Woodwork 2026 will be held Monday–Tuesday, June 22–30, in Richmond, Virgina. Woodswork is a Woods Church organized and planned high school mission trip. Fifteen HS youth advisors and 7 adults (the Woodswork Committee) work together under the Woods Youth Ministry to plan the trip. Trip participants build/restore houses for people experiencing homelessness, perform other construction related mission projects, and participate in fellowship, recreation, and worship. Woodswork focuses on reaching out through service and reaching in through spiritual renewal.

Woodswork has been partnering with Habitat for Humanity for more than 40 years, providing new and refurbished homes and other mission related projects.

Children's News

Sunday Kindness Crossroads

Kindness Connection for Lent is back with Kindness Crossroads. Find Ms. Kat at the Sunday School crossroads, lower level, following the 9:30AM service to make your Kindness Connection at the crossroad of Sunday’s stories and your week. You can make a path from Ash Wednesday to Easter—because Kindness Connections count!

Summer Day Camps for Kids

This year, Woods will be offering more than one camp. You will select which camps your child(ren) would like to attend from the additional items selection. Please remember to print out the the attached below form(s) for the camp(s) you will be attending.

Register online and keep reading for more information on the programs that are available.

Art & the Bible

I Am Who I Am: God in Scripture and the Arts

From Monday–Friday June 6–10, children in K–grade 5 will participate in an innovative approach to Bible study to explore biblical images and names of God through the Bible, paired with their creativity and artistic expression. An Art Reception will take place Friday at 2:30PM, sharing the children's work with their friends and family.

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by the Center for Excellence in Christian Education, Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Vacation Bible Study Day Camp

Be Strong and Courageous | Joshua 1:9

This year’s VBS program will take place Monday–Friday, July 13–17. Children in grades K–grade 5 will learn how God helps us to be strong and courageous. How does God encourage us? How is God with us? We will explore the sights, sounds, feels, and joys of Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” What does this look like in our community, in our times?

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by Kat Green, national spokesperson for children and Biblical Literacy and Director of Children's Ministry at Woods Church.

VBS Express

During VBS week, kids 2 years old through grade 5 are welcome to join us at VBS Express from 4–6 pm. It’ll be all aboard to travel through Bible stories with songs, movement, art, and fun! You’ve got wings!

The cost is $50/child with a $100 family max. VBS Day Camp registration includes participation in VBS Express. No meal will be served, but a snack will be provided to all participants.

Education & Small Groups

Ministry of Belonging Lunch and Learn

Adult Education is sponsoring the Ministry of Belonging Lunch and Learn on Sunday, April 26, 12:30–1:30PM. In tandem with the Youth workshop on Saturday, Dr. Sarah Leer will help us to learn about how to become a more welcoming community, particularly with people of LGBTQ+ identities.

If you have questions but don’t know who or how to ask, or are wondering about the best way to support all of God’s children, you are welcome to join us for lunch and discussion in the Founders Room.

This is a free session, but we are requesting that you register for meal planning purposes.

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and our Interim Pastoral Associate Sarah Wilson offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 11AM, to examine the upcoming Sunday’s scripture readings before they are presented in worship.

Join us on Zoom and gain a new understanding of scripture and enhance your worship experience.

Mission News

Save the Date: Adult Mission Trip

Woods adults are welcome to join us on a Mission Trip, Monday–Saturday, April 20–25. We will travel to Richmond, Virginia, and work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate. We are looking for 10+ volunteers.

Click the button below to download an informational flyer. Contact Tom Lerario at txlerario@gmail.com or Scott Rundle at srundle69@gmail.com with questions and/or to sign up.

Church Family News

Tech Volunteers Needed

Easy to learn! We’re currently looking for volunteers to help with running slides and cameras during our worship services. This would be a great opportunity to support our church behind the scenes and/or pick up a new skill or two!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, email Eric Willner at ewillner@woodschurch.org.

Lost & Found

Please check the Church Office’s Lost & Found for items that you are missing. Items will sit on the counter for one week and then will be housed in the sliding cabinet under the staff mailboxes. The collection will be donated at the turn of the next season, so please check the cabinet if you are missing something!

Water bottles, jewelry, and eyeglasses often turn up—have faith!