Messenger | August 21, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Kick-Off Sunday is September 8
• New Art Exhibit
• Wanted: Children’s Ministry Coordinator
• Confirmation Class Signups
• Sunday School Open House
• Congratulations to Elizabeth B. Cahoon

Pastor's Message

Having welcomed one of our former staff members, the Rev. Brandon Brewer (director of Youth Ministry), to the pulpit last Sunday, we are reminded of the many and varied contributions made at Woods Church over the years. These people comprise our Clouds of Witnesses from the past and we are grateful for them and the foundation they have laid for us. We strive to recognize and commemorate them as often as we can as we move forward.

Most recently, the Schoener Prayer Chapel has begun to take shape just off of Fellowship Hall at the former entrance to Woods. The Chapel is designed and placed in memory of the Rev. Dr. Terry Schoener and includes the two original chancel chairs belonging to Woods. Rev. Schoener’s personal Bible also is on display.

The paned window that hosts a cross in the design looks out on the community of Severna Park served by our church. Metaphorically, the view invites the community to “come inside” and be a part of our family of faith. The mutually reflective views confirm the resonance between our church and the people. The Chapel’s purpose is for prayer and meditation, as well as small Wholeness services and spiritual reflection.

Woods intends to continue to honor our past while preparing for the future. Clouds of Witnesses—past, present, and future—sustain Woods Church’s vision of “transforming lives and society through Jesus Christ.”

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.

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.

Stewardship Update

This Stewardship season, our Clouds of Witnesses have pledged $1,351,716, which represents 88% of our $1,540,000 goal. Thank you so much for your continued support of Woods missions.

If you have not done so already, please make your pledge online at woodschurch.org or fill out a pledge card in the front office.



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.



Summer Worship Schedule

Join us for worship on Sundays this summer for a blended service at 9:30AM. This single-service will continue through Kick-Off Sunday, September 8.

We’re Looking for a Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Woods Church is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic person to serve as Coordinator for Children's Ministry. This position provides support for the Children's Ministry by organizing and supporting leaders, teachers, and groups to work together in furthering the Christian education of children—from birth through fifth grade. The coordinator maintains ministry records, recruits and schedules volunteers including the nursery staff, and completes other projects as assigned. This is a 20- hour per week position requiring Sunday mornings with additional hours to be scheduled in conjunction with the Director of Children's Ministry. Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Canva preferred.



This position reports to the Director of Children's Ministry. For more information, contact Kat Green at kgreen@woodschurch.org.

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

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)

Mission Trip to Guatemala

Are you interesting in participating in a mission trip with Baltimore Presbytery to the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA) in Guatemala, November 2–9? The trip will focus on causes of immigration, as well as visits to CEDEPCA programs that support women and families, efforts to reduce emigration and domestic violence, and projects to provide sustainable employment within the country.

If you would like more information, email Sher at sheratkinson@earthlink.net or call at 410.647.4824.

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.

Our study this year will be 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.

Also, there will be an evening Women’s Circle Bible Study on Zoom. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 25, and will continue to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month and will be using the same study guide as above.

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.

Film and Faith!

All high school youth are welcome to join us at our new Bible Study, Film and Faith! will be meeting throughout the summer, every Tuesday night , 7PM. Each week, we will be looking at scripture through the lens of some of our favorite movies! (We’ll gather immediately following Tuesday Night Thrive!). We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org.

Children's News

A Sneak Peek Before We Move Up

Children, 3-year-olds to fifth graders, are invited to a SNEAK PEEK on Sunday, August 25, 10:30AM! Gather after worship in Room 212. Hear about the exciting things that are planned for the coming year. Then see the rooms where your children will be Growing in Grace and Gratitude for the 2024–2025 year.

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

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.

In Our Community

Woods Church Softball & Cookout

The GSPACCSL Championship vs. St. John’s is this Sunday, August 25, 2PM, at Elvaton #1. This will be our last game this season!



We'll also have a Postseason Cookout following the game at Scott's house, 4PM. There will be food, drinks, cornhole, and trains! Bring a small plate to share if you'd like.

Anyone who has looked at a softball this year is invited. Please feel free to bring a friend, partner, or spouse! Text or email Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com if you need the address!

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.

Church Family News

Congratulations to Elizabeth B. Cahoon

It is with great joy that the Presbytery of Arkansas and Second Presbytery Church (USA) of Little Rock, Arkansas, announced the Ordination and Installation of the Rev. Elizabeth B. Cahoon on August 17.



Elizabeth served at Woods Church as the Youth Ministry Director before taking the call to serve at Second Presbytery Church.

We share in prayers of thanksgiving for Elizabeth for the time she served here at Woods Church and continues to serve the youth at Second Presbytery Church. If you wish to send a card to Elizabeth, you may do so to:

Rev. Elizabeth Cahoon

Second Presbyterian Church

600 Pleasant Valley Drive

Little Rock, AR 72227

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.