Messenger | April 24, 2024

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Welcoming Back the Rev. Jack Carlson
• Natalia Arroyo Ensemble
• Deacons’ Spring Fellowship Dinner
• Service of Wholeness
• Congregational Meeting
• Deacons Spring Fellowship Dinner
• Register for VBS
• Rutter and Friends Spring Concert
• Another Accolade for The Secret Garden
• Batter Up! It’s Softball Season

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Spring has sprung and perfectly appoints our grounds with new life of all kinds. April 22 was officially World Earth Day—although, at Woods, every day is Earth Day. So many of our Clouds of Witnesses consider care of Creation as a call to discipleship and good stewardship. Thank you for that commitment.

Earth Day 2024 is themed “Planet vs Plastic,” calling attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution. Perhaps, at its core, the message is that any time we place personal convenience over the needs of others (in this case, Creation) we run counter to good stewardship and ignore Jesus’ call to discipleship.\

This Sunday, the Rev. Jack Carlson (former bridge pastor) will be our guest preacher. He will emphasize the importance of discipleship and how Jesus’ command that we love one another is critical to the making of disciples.

Let us take seriously the reality that discipleship always involves consideration of others. As Woods goes through a time of calling others to join our Clouds of Witnesses, whether as new members, new staff, or new officers, we do so with the knowledge that God makes all things new. Whether through consideration of your pledge of financial resources or votes for new leaders and members, be prayerful and discerning. God is always listening and still speaking.

Prayerfully,

Pastor Nancy

Church News

Welcoming Back the Rev. Jack Carlson

This Sunday, April 28, we’re pleased to welcome back the Rev. Jack Carlson, our former bridge pastor, as our guest preacher.



Jack retired from active ministry in the PC(USA) in January 2016, after serving for 13 years as pastor at Highland Presbyterian Church in Harford County. Before that, he served churches in Lockport, New York, and Hyattsville, Maryland, and was a pastoral counselor for more than 20 years in the Washington, D.C., area. Jack has served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Baltimore, and in September 2017, he was elected Stated Clerk of the Presbytery, a position he held until his retirement from that post in 2020.

Congregational Meeting

On Sunday, April 28, 10:25AM, we will have a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing new church officers and nominating committee members.



Natalia Arroyo Ensemble to Perform at Woods Church

The Natalia Arroyo Ensemble will be with us on Sunday, April 28, to perform a song during our 11AM service. Then, all are welcome to come and enjoy a concert at 2:30PM.

The group is directed by the award-winning violinist and composer Natalia Arroyo. They perform traditional music from northern Mexico, consolidating their own sound in a fresh and innovative way. The original arrangements and compositions in the Ensemble’s repertoire fuse the roots of Mexican music with chamber music and jazz, along with improvisation and creativity. The result is a blend of sounds that capture their rich knowledge of traditional Mexican music and the ever-changing rhythms of northern Baja California.

In Celebration of Earth Day

Earth Day 2024 was celebrated this past Monday. As an Earth Care Congregation and a member of Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake, Woods joins more than 100 congregations as we work to demonstrate good stewardship in how we manage our grounds and facilities. Watch the video below to learn more about how Woods cares for our church grounds and Creation.

Deacons’ Spring Fellowship Dinner

Save the date! All seniors 65 and older are invited to the annual Deacons Spring Fellowship Dinner to be held Friday, May 3, 5:30–7:30PM. Our very own Carolyn will be making an appearance to cook for her favorite guests! Enjoy dinner and entertainment. Prepare to share who your Cloud of Witness has been in your life. You can write that person’s name on a leaf and hang it on our tree.

Service of Wholeness

A Service of Wholeness will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 6:15PM, in the Sanctuary. Services of Wholeness with pastors and elders are small, intimate, deeply spiritual gatherings of prayer and the laying on of hands. They offer reassurance to those experiencing grief, illness, loss, or other physical/emotional concerns. The services also provide a special time to lift prayers of gratitude to God for blessings received.

Please RSVP if you would like to attend by emailing Maureen Adams at madams@woodschurch.org.

Thank You for a Quick Response

Thank you to Woods Church and Woods CDC for the quick and appropriate response to the temporary lock-down and hold in some of our local area schools yesterday. Fortunately there was not a credible threat, but it is reassuring to know that we are able to cooperatively apply safety precautions during these situations.

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 through May 5, 11AM, in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom. Participant books for the series will be on the church office credenza.

Youth News

Getting Ready for WoodsWork

WoodsWork registration has closed, and we are excited to share that this summer, we are bringing a group of 84 amazing youth on our house-building mission to Roanoke, Virginia.

If you would like to support this summer's WoodsWork, we encourage you to donate directly to a Youth participant, as they are all fundraising towards the trip and will graciously accept your support.

Children's News

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. Register online using the button below.

Join the VBS Supper Club!

So many friends joined us for dinner last year during VBS. Let’s do it again! Reservations/tickets are available for friends and family through the Children’s Ministry website. Or call the church office for help. Join us July 15–18, 6:30PM, for dinner, Bible stories, and fun.



Let’s Pray in May!

Families of all sizes are invited to Pray in May! Children will receive a Pray in May cloud-path. Each day has a prayerful activity or topic. There are biblical citations for those families that want to add a bit of scripture to the practice. Maybe this is a nice breakfast buddy to start your day off? Additional copies are available upon request.



Need Help at Church?

Staff and Children’s Ministry Volunteers have blue nametags. Look for the blue nametags if you need directions or if you have questions about our Sunday morning programs. Our volunteers are background checked and ready to help. Additionally, Miss Kat or Miss Frances are our Children’s Ministry staff members. One of them will be in the hallways on Sunday mornings at 10:30AM.



Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's continue the conversation at home from Sunday morning. The adults heard about Jesus being the shepherd who cares for the sheep...God's people. Downstairs, we heard the story of Jesus gathering grain on the Sabbath to feed his hungry disciples. Both stories help us remember that God wants to take care of people.

Maybe God is Like that Too is written by Jennifer Grant and illustrated by Benjamin Schipper. In this book, we walk through a city with grandma and find lots of examples of God and God's spirit at work. In our stories, God is at work feeding the hungry disciples. In Grant's book, God is there where we find kindness, joy, caring, and gentleness.

I wonder, how will you see God spirit at work in your week? How will you work to help others see God all around you?

Music News

Rutter and Friends Spring Concert

If you enjoy choral and instrumental music, then join us for our Rutter and Friends Spring Concert on Saturday, June 8, 7PM! The adult choir, SEEK Band, and children’s choir with a full orchestra will present works of John Rutter and composers who influenced him such as Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, and even The Beatles. Rutter’s music is eclectic with influences of French and English choral traditions, and American classical songwriting.

It’s a concert for the ages—and it’s free! Come, be our friend, and enjoy this end-of-the year-concert! For more information, please email Dave Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Another Accolade for The Secret Garden

WOW! The Secret Garden wins the Ruby Griffith Award for "Best Achievement in a Musical!” The Ruby Griffith Awards began in 1969 and is designed to elevate the quality of local amateur theatre, and reward excellence and outstanding achievement. Congratulations to the whole cast, crew, production team, and community of Woods Church for winning such an achievement!

Church Family News

Please Welcome Olivia Rivers

We’re excited to announce the addition of Olivia Rivers to the Woods staff as the Administrative Assistant for Property. Olivia has taken the position that Karen Jackson previously held and will be the “go to” for all things property and room scheduling. Olivia, a former middle school teacher, and her husband, Thomas, attend Woods and her children Ander (age 9) and Nathan (age 15 months) attend Sunday School. All are looking forward to becoming members of Woods in the near future. Olivia is very excited to be in her new role and looks forward to working with the staff and members of Woods.

Best of luck to Karen Jackson in her new role with AACO Police and a heartfelt welcome to Olivia as she steps in behind Karen.

Prayers for the Family of Tawes DeWyngaert

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for former Woods member Tawes DeWyngaert will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota on Saturday, April 27, 2PM. A livestream link will be available at FirstPresSarasota.org on the day of the service.

A basket for communications to Dr. DeWyngaert is in the front office. We will be sending these to her through the end of April.

Please keep Susan, their daughters, Rachel and Sarah, and their family and friends in your prayers.

In Our Community

Batter Up! It’s Softball Season

Are you ready for a new season of coed softball? Then we’ve got some good news! The Greater Severna Park Church Softball League season starts back up on Sunday, April 28.

We’ll take the field against St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at Cypress #1, 2PM. If you are interested in playing, contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

No experience required! Players must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2023. Play as your schedule permits.

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.