Messenger is here!

August 19, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Save the Date for Our Woods Family Picnic
• New Members Class, September 20
• Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church
• Americana 250: A Pianorama
• Sing with Our Family Summer Choir
• Youth Fro-Yo Socials
• Confirmation Class Sign-ups
• Rainboot Collection
• Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study
• Support Sancti Spíritus
• Woods Softball Game vs. Saint Andrew’s
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

As I mentioned in a previous Pastor’s Message, the Session has updated some of its language related to its committees to better reflect the nature of their work. I want to talk this week a little more deeply about a particularly important dimension of that, which is shifting away from “Education” language and using “Formation” language instead.

It may sound like a small change, but it’s actually an important one. One of the biggest and most urgent conversations in U.S. Christianity today is about how churches can help form Christian disciples in the 21st century. There are several important reasons for this. First, it’s a recognition that one of the Church’s most crucial reasons for existing is to support and equip people to follow Jesus in both the church’s ministries and their everyday lives, not simply to attract “members” to the church as an organization. Education is obviously an important part of that, but it is a part, not the whole. One of the things Presbyterians are best known for is our emphasis on education, but as with most things, our biggest strengths can also create our biggest challenges. By stressing how crucial it is to learn about the Bible, theology, church history, ethics, etc., we can sometimes neglect the steps of actually incorporating that knowledge into the concrete daily practices of our life and faith. As disciples of Jesus, we not only need to learn about Christianity, we need to learn how to be more faithful and effective Christians. That second part is the larger work of spiritual/faith formation, of which education is a crucial part. It’s a bit like how pilots need to understand the physics and mechanics of how airplanes fly, but they use that knowledge to help them actually fly, to practice the craft of flying better and more effectively.

And Christian faith formation is a lifelong process, which is why we are talking about doing that through our ministries with and for children, youth, and adults. Throughout our whole lives, we are being formed, re-formed, transformed by the Holy Spirit through the community of fellow disciples into more and more Christ-like followers of Jesus. Like all living things, our faith is something that never stops being formed; we never “graduate” from that! And part of the joy and gift of a community of faith is that we constantly help one another in that journey of faith formation, whether through our programmatic ministries or simply through our personal relationships with one another.

I’m excited about the conversations we are having at Woods about how we can do this more and more intentionally, and eager to see how the Spirit bears fruit among us as we do!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Save the Date for Woods Family Picnic

Mark your calendars now for our Woods Family Picnic on Sunday, September 13! More information to come!

Join Our Faith Family

Interested in learning more about membership at Woods Church? Join us for our next Members Class on Sunday, September 20, 10:45AM, in the Founders Room. Those completing the class will be presented to the congregation during worship on Sunday, September 27, June 14, 9:30AM or 11AM service.

If you have any questions, reach out to Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Family Summer Choir

Are you around over the summer and interested in singing? Then come on by and sing with us! The Family Summer Choir will be singing on Sunday, September 6. We will meet at 8:45AM in the Sanctuary Choir Loft and learn the piece that morning. Not to worry all, the tunes are recognizable, and a quick learn!

If you have any questions, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. Looking forward to hearing you sing!

Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church

Save the date, Sunday, August 30, 11AM, for a learning opportunity with our own Kat Green, titled Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church.

A more just, faithful, and compassionate church and world will seek to include typical and atypical neurodiverse folks. As understanding evolves in the educational and social systems of our world, the church must evolve and transform the ways diversity is welcomed, embraced, and included in the life of the church and the mission of church. How will we nurture communities of faith and equip leadership in ways that are accessible and meaningful for post global pandemic traumatized demographic?

This class is for adults and interested youth.

Americana 250: A Pianorama

On Sunday, September 20, 2PM, in the Sanctuary, join Junghoon Park for his piano recital, Americana 250: A Pianorama! Jung will play works by Bernstein, Beach, Horowitz, and Gershwin.

This concert is free and no ticket is required. A love offering will go to support the Woods Church music program. Questions? Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Youth News

Sign Up for Confirmation Class

Our annual Confirmation Class for 8th graders will meet every Sunday, 2–3PM, in Room 212, beginning on September 20 (parents are encouraged to attend our first class!). Sign up online!

Confirmation is a chance for a young person to examine and recommit themselves to their walk with Christ, to renew their baptismal vows (or get baptized!) and to join the church. In this class, you’ll learn more about your faith, what it means to be the Church, and how to share your faith with others!

**Taking the class is FREE this year, but our Fall "Youth Summit" retreat (October 17–18) and our May Confirmation Retreat (May 1–2) will each have an enrollment fee, and students are encouraged to attend as they are considered an important part of our year together.

Children's News

Summer Sunday School is Doing a New Thing!

Join us for immersive Bible story experiences each Sunday this summer!

• August 23 – Outdoor Play
• August 30 – Computers & Games
• September 6 – Labor Day Weekend Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)

Going into fall, the first Sunday of each month will continue to be our Story & Stretch class for Pre-K through 2nd grade in Founders Room (3rd through 5th grades also are welcome!). The third Sunday of each month will be Computers & Games for 1st and 2nd grades!

Mission News

Support Sancti Spíritus

Cuba is currently experiencing chronic energy, food and fuel shortages with rolling blackouts for anywhere between a few hours to up to 70 hours. The country imports 66% of its total energy supply, leaving limited domestic sources and infrastructure to support more than 10 million people. Our partner church in Cuba, Sancti Spíritus, is experiencing all these shortages: electricity blackouts, food, medicines, and fuel.

Woods Church is participating with two other churches: Graceway in Florida and First Presbyterian in Springfield, Illinois, in sending supplies of medicines and food. Please continue to pray for this faithful congregation and the whole country of Cuba.

If you would like to support this service and outreach initiative, Woods is planning a trip to Sancti Spíritus, January 4–11. For more information, please contact Marty Clayton at martyclayton1973@gmail.com or Delia Edelmann at dedelmann@gmail.com.

Education & Small Groups

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.

Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study

Our Bible Study starting on Tuesday, September 15, is based on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians: “Love is patient; Love is kind.” Today, Christians participating in a wedding, an ordination, or a service of the Lord’s Supper might not realize these words about love and unity were addressed to a church in conflict.

All women are invited to join us this year as we learn about Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. This Bible Study explores the letter’s setting, divisions within the congregation, and ultimately, the gifts given to all through the work of Christ. Readers will be fascinated by this journey to Corinth and will explore how Paul’s timeless message of loving unity calls Christ’s followers today.

Stop by the Priscilla Circle table in Fellowship Hall to pick up our study guide, United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other by Rhonda Mawhood Lee. Books cost $14 and and will be available on Sundays, August 9, 16, & 30.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Tuesday, September 15, 10:15AM, in Room 212 and on Zoom. For more information or to ask questions, please contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412.

In Our Community

Woods Softball Game vs. Saint Andrew’s

There are just a few games left in our co-ed softball season! This Sunday, August 23, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Saint Andrew’s at Cypress #2.

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.

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.

No experience is required and you already made the team! You must 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.

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.

Lost & Found

Eyeglasses, water bottles, and keys are some of the items regularly turned in to the Church Office. If you’ve misplaced something, please check the Lost & Found located in the sliding cabinets under the staff mailboxes. Volunteers clean out the collection at the end of each season and donate what remains.

Have faith that you and your objects will be reunited!