Messenger | April 2, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Holy Week Services
• Lenten Reflection Series
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• A Night at the Opera
• SPAN is Celebrating 35 Years
• Help Provide Medical MAP PACKS for Malawi
• A Message from Cuba with Love
• Introducing Jason Jackson
• Woods Seeks Coordinator for Children’s and Youth Ministry
  

Pastor's Message

As we anticipate the gathering of congregation and community this coming Tuesday, April 8, 6–7:30PM, to converse about finding community in the midst of chaos, I am aware of at least a couple of things.

Initially, chaos can be overwhelming as it wreaks havoc on our daily routines and expectations about how our days unfold. Many of the things we have come to depend upon may be called into question concerning truth and continuity. A sense of futility ensues and our impulse may be to turn inward and shut down familiar lines of communication. Some refer to it as going into “survival mode,” seeking out only places of refuge and safety.

The helplessness and vulnerability, which initiate survival mode, are experiences that impair our ability to share our pain and fear with others. The question raised most often is about who we can trust. Jesus tells us that our faith community is not only trustworthy but visionary and healing. Jesus himself formed a close community of faith with his disciples whom he trusted and who encouraged and supported each other in times of chaos. God promises to be with us in all things and, so, is in the midst of our community together.

Naming and sharing our experiences and confusion in times of chaos is not only God’s vision; it is our best survival mode. At Woods, we strive to be a community of faith, trust, and hope. “Out of Chaos comes Hope,” a former PC(USA) theme, stands as a promise for a creative and healing future. Let us live that hope together now.

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”—Hebrews 10: 24–25

Blessings,

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

New Lenten Reflection Series

As we strive for community in times of chaos we turn to biblical reflection and meditation. During Lent, join us for our Lenten Reflective Series: Finding Community in Chaos, to gather together focused on these Lenten themes.

The Lost are Found

Thursday, April 3, 6PM, in the Founders Room

Community Reflections

Tuesday, April 8, 6PM, in the Sanctuary



The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tickets on Sale Now

Woods Church will present The Hunchback of Notre Dame, April 4–6.

What makes a monster and what makes a man? Step into the heart of Paris and experience the powerful tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This evocative musical, inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the acclaimed Disney animated film, brings to life the story of love, acceptance, and heroism set against the backdrop of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Join us as we follow Quasimodo, the gentle bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his journey to find acceptance and love in a world that shuns him. Alongside the courageous Esmeralda and the conflicted Claude Frollo, the story unfolds with themes of compassion, justice, the resilience of the human spirit, and finding your sanctuary.

Purchase tickets at www.woodstix.org. Questions? Email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

Dedicate a Lily in Honor or Memory of a Loved One

Every year, we decorate our Sanctuary with lovely lilies at Easter. The flowers are donated by members and friends to remember special people in their lives.

If you would like to dedicate a lily in memory or in honor of a loved one, the suggested donation is $25. Dedications will be accepted online through Tuesday, April 15, as well as in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, March 30, April 6, and April 13. Plants may be picked up after our 11AM Easter services.

A Night at the Opera

Join us Saturday, May 10, for an enchanting evening of music and fine dining! Over a delicious spaghetti dinner, enjoy performances by talented opera singers: Soprano Kimberly Christie, Bass/Baritone Jason Buckwalter, Bass Shouvik Mondle, Alto Jennifer Cooper, and Tenor David Merrill as they serenade you with popular opera arias and classic musical theater songs.

Dinner Menu: Spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert

Doors Open: 5:30PM

️Dinner Begins: 6PM

Performance Starts: 6:30PM

️Tickets: $25

For questions, please email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

Parents & Caregivers: Start Your Engines

On the way to Sunday School pick up during Lent, stop by the bench by the joke buttons at 10:30AM for a quick “3-Point Pit Stop! “Hear what the story of the week is and get three talking points to use throughout your week to Walk With Others.

Mission News

SPAN is Celebrating 35 Years

Come celebrate SPAN’s 35th anniversary Birthday Fest on Saturday, April 5, 12–4PM, at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Rd. There will be live music, food trucks, ice cream, lawn games, prizes, and fun!

For more information on how you can help, visit spanhelps.org or email spanhelps@yahoo.com.

Help Provide Medical MAP PACKS for Malawi

We each have an opportunity to help supply medications and medical supplies for the mobile medical clinics of Ministry of Hope (MOH) Malawi. A Woods team is traveling to MOH in July, and we are able to take Medical Mission MAP PACKS with us. Each RX pack contains at least 300 treatments that are typically needed in developing countries. The packs provide thousands of dollars’ worth of medicine and supplies for medical mission teams at a cost of $200 per pack, plus about $50–$75 per pack for freight to Maryland.

If you are able to contribute to providing these necessary medicines to children and adults in villages where the only health care access is the monthly MOH mobile clinic, the team and MOH will be so grateful. You may contribute a monetary gift of any size at the Missions table in Fellowship Hall each Sunday in April, online through Realm, or in the church office.

For more information, call or email Pat Johnson at 443.994.3201 or paj10041949@gmail.com. To see more about MOH, visit www.ministryofhope.org.

For information on RX Packs, see www.map.org.

A Message From Cuba with Love

“We have just received the food. Many thanks to the community of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church for sharing with the brothers and sisters of Sancti Spíritus. Thanks be to God such love.”

Education & Small Groups

Lenten Study: Remember

Adult Education is offering a Lenten study on Sundays through April 13, 11AM, featuring Remember by Rev. Susan Robb.

God’s covenants throughout the Old Testament show the character of God’s promises to the people of Israel. Rev. Robb discusses the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, followed by the new covenant established during the Last Supper. The Lenten story culminates with a look at the cross as another example of God’s promise for a new world.

Join us in the Office Conference Room or on Zoom.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Series

Please join Adult Education for a six-part series, Sunday through –April 13, on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The twentieth century produced many interesting and provocative theologians. Among the most influential is Dietrich Bonhoeffer of Germany. He lived concurrently with Adolf Hitler and was among Hitler's most insistent critics. He was imprisoned in January 1943 and hanged on April 8, 1945. In 1937 he wrote his most famous book, Discipleship, which has two central themes: Grace and Obedience.

Please join us as we take a look at this remarkable man and his understanding of theology. Classes will be led by Greg Hubert and held in Room 208 from 11AM–12PM. No registration is required.

Savvy Seniors...and Those Who Love Them

On Tuesday, April 15, 1–2:30PM, Jaelyn Swan of the Parkinson’s Foundation will be with us in Fellowship Hall to offer an overview of Parkinson’s disease, covering the basics of its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We’ll explore how Parkinson’s affects movement, cognition, and quality of life, as well as practical tips and resources to help individuals and their care partners navigate life with Parkinson’s.



Pastors’ Bible Study

Lead Pastor J.C. Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 12PM, 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.

Youth News

WoodsWork 2025

WoodsWork 2025 is headed to Nelsonville, Ohio, this summer and all high school youth are invited! This house-building mission trip will be June 19–27, and registration is open now! Click the button below to sign up! For more information, download the flier!



Children's News

Get Ready for VBS!

Register today for Vacation Bible Study! This year’s program will be held July 14–17, 4–7PM, with dinner at 6:30PM.

Church Family News

Introducing Jason Jackson

Woods Church is pleased to announce that we have a new Director of Operations. Please welcome Jason Jackson to his new role at Woods! Jason, his wife Karen, and their children Adam and Avery are active members of the congregation. Jason will be in the office beginning in April.



Woods Seeks Coordinator for Children’s and Youth Ministry

Woods is seeking a dedicated, organized individual to serve as Coordinator for our Children’s and Youth Ministry. This is a part-time job, 25 hours per week, with hours to include Sunday mornings.

The Coordinator will assist the Director of Children's Ministry as well as the Director of Youth Ministry in planning and implementing programs to engage the young people of Woods Church in their spiritual formation.

Click the button below to view the job description. Interested applicants should contact Kat Green at kgreen@woodschurch.org.

In Our Community

Langton Green Produce Baskets

Langton Green, one of our mission partners, is an Anne Arundel County–based residential community that supports neurodivergent adults. They are offering produce baskets from June–October. For more information, see the attached flyer

A Moment of Prayer

Gracious and creating God, help us in the midst of our chaotic lives to find what good may be brought forth by your Spirit. Let us be able and willing to find hope and to pursue community with one another in order to enact your plan for our living. We ask your comforting hand upon all those who are challenged and who struggle in these times.

In Christ's name we pray.

Amen.