Messenger is here!

April 28, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• An Update from Our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
• Pray in May Every Day
• HOPE For All Pillow Collection
• Jesus at Woods: A Cecilia McKay Encounter
• Spring Senior Dinner
• A Night on Broadway
• A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
• Open Dance Classes
• High School Bible Study
• Summer Activities for Kids
• New Adult Ed Class: Reading & Feeding
• Softball Game vs. Heritage Church
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Tomorrow will mark the last day that our friend and colleague Maureen Adams, long-time Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care, will be part of Woods’ staff. Maureen will retire on April 30 after 13 years of dedicated and loving service here at Woods, offered to the glory of God and in compassionate support for all who make up the Body of Christ.

Maureen has been at the heart of the pastoral care and prayer functions here at Woods, managing the myriad daily inputs of our community’s needs, sorrows, and joys— coordinating them into action assignments for the Pastoral Care Team and Deacons—and sharing her particular gifts of faith and compassion for all of God’s children.

If you have received a card or call from a Deacon, or have been visited by a pastor or chaplain, Maureen has played a part in your life. If you have been prayed for in worship or have requested prayers for confidential concerns, Maureen has supported you. If you have enjoyed the fellowship of Senior Dinners, participated in a Service of Healing and Wholeness, or had your furry family member blessed at Woods, Maureen has been a part of your life.

We are grateful that God brought Maureen to Woods to serve with us. We wish her joy and blessings in her retirement. God bless you and keep you.

—Sarah Wilson, Interim Pastoral Associate

Church News

Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Update

Our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) is pleased to report that several strong candidates have expressed interest in Woods’ Associate Pastor position in recent months.

We are currently in active conversation with and prayerfully considering a few of these candidates, trusting that God is already guiding how this chapter will unfold.

Thank you for your continued prayers for both our Committee and the call-seekers we have the privilege of meeting along the way.

Pray in May Every Day

It is almost May, hooray! One of the ways Woods Church has celebrated May in recent years is by praying together using a Pray in May Every Day poster.

Copies will be available this Sunday, May 3, and the whole congregation is invited to participate! A digital copy of the poster will be available on the website. The poster’s theme picks up on the sermon series and Stewardship theme of being fed by God. This seems like a great way to give our families a resource to continue the conversation at home.

It will pick up on our second Pop-Up Program’s Bible study of John 21:7, “Peter, if you love me, feed my sheep.” The children talked about what sheep are/need, being a shepherd, and the different ways Jesus taught us to feed his sheep. Therefore the daily prayer suggestions are similar to last year, but it is “sheep-ified.”

This year, there’s also a board game: Feed my Sheep! Take turns being the shepherd of Jesus’ sheep and help feed them. How do you do that? You pray! We will provide game kits to help children of all ages pray with thought, words, actions, and intentions.

HOPE For All Pillow Collection

Furniture poverty is a hidden crisis! HOPE For All, through its Turning Houses into Homes program provides furniture and basic household items to Anne Arundel County residents in need to help create healthy homes. Requests for pillows are expected to exceed 1,000 this year!

As long-time supporters of this wonderful local ministry, Woods is hoping to help by collecting new standard size pillows from Sundays, May 3–17.

Please drop off new, plastic-wrapped, standard-size pillows in the big blue bin in the Church Lobby. Let's help everyone get a healthy night's rest! Questions? Contact Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com.

Celebrate America’s 250th at Our Spring Senior Dinner

On April 20, Dick Moore returned a voicemail requesting rental assistance. The caller answered Dick’s first question, “Where do you live?”, with “Hanover.”

Before Dick could start his normal “refusal” (due to being out of area), the caller started a rapid-fire story (you know how young people talk these days) and explanation as to why assistance was needed: her husband died of cancer (over Christmas) after four difficult months in a New York City hospital (she stayed there with a two-year-old child until he passed). Prior to her husband’s diagnosis, she was a teacher in Anne Arundel Schools.

Although Dick generally advises the best location for a person to receive help, he decided to lend support, asking her to come in to Woods that afternoon (Why?).

After deciding to assist her with $400 for rent (even though the “out of area” max is usually $200, she burst into tears. They completed paper work and he escorted her out. On the way, she asked if we had diapers. Dick said no, but SPAN sometimes has them. She said she had asked several food banks and they didn’t have #7 diapers. Dick said he’ll check our SPAN bins and as it turned out, the only thing in the bins for paper goods was a package of #7 diapers (recently given by Olivia Rivers…why then?).

Our Visitor burst into tears...and Jesus walked out the door. (Reference – Luke 24)

Celebrate America’s 250th at Our Spring Senior Dinner

The Deacons of Woods Church invite all who are 70 years and older to a Spring Fellowship Dinner on Friday, May 15, 5:30–7:30PM, in Fellowship Hall, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday! Entertainment will be provided by Woods’ own Myra Dennis and Geoff Wood as members of the First Maryland Regiment 18th Century Living History organization.

Come to see and learn about life during the 18th century while enjoying great food and fellowship. Patriotic attire is encouraged!

Please RSVP by emailing madams@woodschurch.org or by calling 410.647.2550.

A Night on Broadway

Join us Saturday, May 23, 5:30PM, for an exciting evening of music and fine dining! Over a delicious Italian dinner, we will enjoy performances by local, talented musical theaters singers: sopranos Sarah Kent and Jenna Augustine; and tenors Dillon McCarrick, Lucas White, and David Merrill. Together, they will serenade us with popular musical theater songs, and classical favorites. And this year, special guest appearances by local musical theater dancers: Matthew Walter, Brayden McDowell, Summer Moore, Jacob Hahn, and Meridian Toalepai.

Dinner Menu: Pasta, salad, New York cheesecake. (catered from local Squisito Pizza and Pasta). Gluten-free options will be available.

• Doors open at 5:30PM
• Dinner begins at 6PM
• Performance starts at 6:30PM

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.woodstix.org. For questions, please email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert

Join us for our spring concert, A Tapestry of Music, featuring American composers and the greats that influenced them on Saturday, June 6, 7PM.

Come and hear music by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, J.S. Bach, L. Beethoven, J. Brahms and more—it’s a concert truly interwoven through time! Performers include the Woods Church Adult Choir, Elysian Dancers, vocal and instrumental soloists, and a special piano solo by Jung-hoon Park.

The concert is free, but a ticket is required. Please register at www.woodstix.org. For additional information or questions, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Open Dance Classes

Join our Worship Ministry for a series of free dance classes this spring! Professional teachers are offering a variety of dance styles, including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more!

Classes are open to anyone ages 12 and up in and outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes are taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

Our first class is on Sunday, April 12, 2–3:15PM,in Fellowship Hall. Please note that there is no dance class on April 19.

For more information, please email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

Support Our Bagel Ministry

Looking for a way to honor, celebrate and/or remember a family member, friend, or special event? Consider sponsoring bagels following our worship services on Sunday mornings! The cost is $100.

For more information, contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Youth News

Children's News

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

Reading & Feeding: Gourmet Bible Study for the Growing Soul

Without a whit of pre-existing Bible knowledge, we invite you to learn and orient your mind and thinking to build a Biblical world view. Any Christian, regardless of experience, can be inspired for growth by God’s word.

Jesus calls the Word of God food for our souls…no matter how long you’ve been eating, you need to eat again—and perhaps have new culinary experiences.

Reading & Feeding is designed to look at Scripture with fresh eyes, ears, and hearts to receive insight for vibrant discipleship.

Join us on Sundays through May 17, 11AM, in Room 208, as we approach the Bible as a resource to feed our souls and fuel our spiritual journey. Breaking down pre-existing notions, cultural misunderstandings, and the false assumption that the portrayal of God in the Old Testament is somehow “less Biblical” than the Christian New Testament, we will explore this guiding document of the Church.

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.

Church Family News

Woods Church Softball Game vs. Heritage Church

The Greater Severna Park Coed Church Softball League is underway! This Sunday, May 3, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Heritage Church at Elvaton #1.

No experience is required and you already made the team! You must bring a smile, and be at least 16 years of age by December 31. No full-time commitment is necessary.

If you are thinking… “There’s no way I can participate... I am way out of shape...” then don't worry, you’ll fit right in! Although the GSPCCSL may sound super legit, it’s actually just a bunch of post-prime athletes working to stay young. You’ll have fun!

Interested? Contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

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!