Messenger | August 28, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Kick-Off Sunday is September 8
• New Art Exhibit
• Spread the Joy
• Backpack Buddies
• Confirmation Class Signups
• Choirs are Starting Back Up

Pastor's Message

I have a new favorite phrase: "Now that Pastor J.C. is here..." followed by whatever activity, thought, or piece of business I need to tend to. Not only is there tangible ministry and related support in the form of another pastor, but Woods is blessed to have a person of spiritual presence and gift. While I feel privileged to have been able to serve Woods during this transition time, the presence of another whose dedication to our congregation is shared is most welcome.

It occurs to me that we all find significant and life-changing comfort from the presence of God walking with us on our life journeys. At Woods, we walk together as a congregation with purpose and vision, and—as individuals—with hope and trust. As the Rev. J.C. Austin joins us on our walks at Woods, let us welcome and support him in the days ahead.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Communion together. Please prepare your hearts and faithful responses for this sacrament at the table, where all are invited and included.

Grace and Peace,

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

Kick-Off Sunday is September 8

Mark your calendars and join us following worship on Kick-Off Sunday, September 8, for food & fellowship and music & moon bouncing! Make a rain stick and join the musical premier of Woods’ Joyful Noises Band! The event will be held rain or shine.

Boxed lunches available beginning at 11AM.

Open Dance Classes

In order to bring the community together in a fun and movement-based way, join our Worship Ministry for a series of dance classes this fall! Professional teachers are set to offer a variety of dance styles—including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more! Classes are open to anyone age 12 and over, in & outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes will be taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

Our first class will be on Sunday, September 22, 2–3:15PM, in Fellowship Hall. For more information, email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

New Art Exhibit is Open

Please visit the new art display in the Gallery. This month’s exhibit, Contemporary Collage, is by artists from The Chesapeake Collage Guild. They are an informal group of art-friends who, for years, have shared their diverse creative ideas, media expertise, and artistic visions. Last year, they agreed to a joint pursuit—collage expression. Each guild member—professional or serious amateur—has brought their unique personality to this broad, dynamic medium. Because collage defines itself, their exhibits showcase a variety of innovative and classic techniques, grand-scale to contemporary charm.

Ushers Needed

We are in need of additional ushers to assist during worship. If you are interested in being a part of this important ministry, please reach out to Paul Self at paulself239@gmail.com.



We’re Hiring an Accountant

Woods Church is looking to hire an accountant—someone to maintain the various church funds and accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the church’s Financial Policies & Procedures Manual. This is a benefit eligible, 40-hour per week position. Knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office applications required.

If you’re interested in this position, please contact John McLaughlin at 410.647.2550 x335 or jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.

Mission News

Spread the Joy! Mayo, Ketchup, Jelly, & Mustard!

SPAN (Serving People across Neighborhoods) is in great need of sandwich-making condiments. Help us fill their empty shelves on Kick-Off Sunday, September 8, with these much needed items. Please bring your donation to the Missions Ministry Table.

Thank you so much for your support of SPAN. Your generosity means everything to the Missions Ministry and to the community we serve.

Backpack Buddies

The Backpack Buddies program at Annapolis Middle School will begin sending weekend food home for 60 or so food insecure students. We are asking for a donation of $300 per student. This covers weekend food for the school year; First Friday of the month lunches (pizza or Chick-fil-A); $25 grocery gift cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter; $25 birthday gift cards; and high school UA backpacks for the 8th graders in the program in June.



Of course, any donation is welcome. Checks should be made out to Woods Church with Backpack Buddies in the memo line. They can be given directly to Susan Bohlman or left in the Backpack box in the Church office. Or you may contribute online at WoodsChurch.org and click on “Give.” Select “Backpack Buddies” in the dropdown menu so your donation is credited appropriately.

Helping Hands to Less Fortunate

Yikes! Have you noticed the price of everything going up? Every time a rental property comes up for renewal, the price per month increases, and electric costs are going up as well.



Many of those who serve you at local restaurants, mow your lawn, change the oil in your car, etc., are living on the edge of poverty due to uncertainty of and success of their businesses.

How would you decide to spend your declining income, feed your family, fix your car so you can get to work, pay your medical co-pay so your child can see a doctor? And what if these same individuals get sick themselves and miss a few days of work (no pay)? They usually postpone paying rent or utility bills while hoping next month will be better.

In the 2023–2024 Church year, Woods Church has received 402 requests for financial assistance! Of those, the Cecilia McKay Fund provided $20,355 to help 109 individuals/families with financial assistance to prevent eviction or utility shut off.

Every number is going up each year. This fund is not a budget item; it relies on directed donations from you! We definitely would not have been able to help those 109 families without your support. We are the hands and feet of Christ here on Earth today! No donation is too small. Click here to make a contribution online.

"Just as you did it to one of the least of these...you did it to me." (Matt 25:40)

Education & Small Groups

Women’s Circle Bible Study

All women are invited to join us as we explore with all our hearts, God’s call to care for creation. Our first meeting will be in person on Tuesday, September 10, 10AM, in Founders Room. We will continue to meet monthly on the second Tuesday. There also will be an evening group that meets on Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning Wednesday, September 25, 7PM.

Our study this year is titled, Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation. The author is Patricia K. Tull.

If you haven’t yet picked up a study guide, give Bev Haines a call at 410.551.8412. They cost $10. Questions? Contact Nancy Nolan at 410.544.8378. Nancy also will send you the link for Zoom.

Youth News

Confirmation Class Signups

The time has to come to register for the 2024–2025 Confirmation Class! Students in 8th grade and up will meet every Sunday, 2–3PM, in Room 212, beginning on September 15. We have a great year planned for you, complete with regular guest speakers from our Woods community, service projects, and both Fall and Spring Retreats. The cost for the whole year, including retreats, is $150 per student. Registration is open online.

If you aren't sure if Confirmation is for you, feel free to reach out to our Youth Director, Oliver Page, to learn more! You can reach him at opage@woodschurch.org.

Children's News

Growing in Grace & Gratitude

This year, children—3-year-olds to fifth graders—will be Growing in Grace and Gratitude.

Our 9:30AM classes begin on Sunday, September 1! 3-year-olds will move into the PreSchool class in Room 107. Our Kindergarteners will move into the Early Elementary class in Room 150. Our third graders will have a NEW class, Bible Navigators, in Room 152. Our fourth and fifth graders will have their own Bible Explorers Class in Room 154.

Our 11AM classes begin on Sunday, September 15! 3-year-olds through Kindergarteners will gather in Room 107. Our Elementary Age children will meet in Room 152.

Note: 9:30AM and 11AM stories are usually different. Come make a joyful noise in Children's Ministry!

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from Sunday morning. We heard Jesus tell us to HEAR and DO what is right. That means we need to not only TALK with the words of Jesus, we need to FOLLOW him. We need to walk the path in the light of God's love. Two "line leaders" for walking the path of light are Mrs. Maguette and Pastor Nancy. Mrs. Maguette has filled the Sanctuary with lovely things that help us to know Bible stories and to know where we are in the church year. Pastor Nancy has used words and stories and led us through these two years of challenges!

That reminds me of the book We are Going on a Bear Hunt. One of my favorite versions of that book is by Michael Rosen and it shows and tells us of a family going over, under, through, and around challenges. Then they end up at home!

I think that is what we do each week. We have days of challenges that we have to go over, under, through, and around...then we end up back home at Woods Church. I wonder what your challenges are this week. How will you use the words that you hear in worship to help you walk through your week? How will you be a line leader to help people "walk in the light" and end up back home in God's love?

Music News

Sing with Our Summer Choir

Come and sing with us on these summer Sunday, September 1. Members of the Adult Choir will meet at 8:45AM in the Sanctuary to rehearse an anthem, and then sing it for worship!

It’s fun, easy, and a great way to lend your voice over the summer! For more information, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Choirs are Starting Back Up

For more information on any of our choirs, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Children's Choir | Grades 1–5

Rehearsals resume on Sunday, September 22, 12:15–12:45PM, in the Choir Room. Wahoo! Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome! And yes, we have candy!

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on down! Any youth in grades 6–12, is welcome to join our SEEK Band. We regularly offer music for worship, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities. Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 15, 1 – 2PM.

Adult Choir

Rehearsals will resume on Thursday, August 29, 7PM, in the Choir Room. Join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles and genres of music. All are welcome! We look forward to having you with us!

In Our Community

Thanks for a Great Season!

Thank you to all who played on the Woods softball team this season!

A Moment of Prayer

Loving and gracious God, we give you thanks for new beginnings in life; for being given opportunities to start anew both in existing programs and in unchartered ones. We continue to pray for your guidance and direction as we take steps in new paths. Let us continue to be mindful of the gifts of the Spirit that we may offer them to others in our walks.

Amen.