Messenger is here!

August 26, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

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

Pastor's Message

This week, I want to remind you about two important transitions that are happening on staff here at Woods in the next two weeks!

First, this Sunday we will be celebrating Sarah Wilson and her service as our Interim Pastoral Associate. Sarah, as most of you know, is a long-time and faithful member of Woods Church who has been preparing for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, and who had been serving on staff in a part-time position focused on pastoral care and adult formation when the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds announced her retirement as associate pastor. Sarah stepped in as our interim with grace and wisdom and helped pave the way for our new installed associate pastor in countless ways as we reorient that position to focus more on adult faith formation in general.

So, this Sunday, we will gather in Fellowship Hall after the 9:30AM Summer Worship service for a celebratory coffee hour with Sarah. There will be special treats, a brief presentation, and plenty of time for you to express your individual gratitude for Sarah and her ministry directly to her.

Then, our new associate pastor, the Rev. Ashley Brown, will have her first Sunday with us on September 6! Ashley will formally begin her ministry the Tuesday before, on September 1 (Ashley will be taking Mondays as her day off during the week), but we will have a festive coffee hour in her honor after our 9:30AM service on September 6. There will be special music, Maryland-themed treats, and a chance to connect with Ashley individually and welcome her to both Maryland and to Woods Church.

You will not want to miss these two important moments of transition in the life of our church the next two weeks, so I hope you will make a special point of being present and adding your own voice to our words of gratitude for Sarah and welcome for Ashley. I look forward to sharing in these special events with you!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

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.

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!

Save the Date for Woods Family Picnic

Mark your calendars now for our Woods Family Picnic on Sunday, September 13!

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.

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 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!

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.

Music Notes

Music Ministry is Tuning Up

Be a part of our Music Ministry at Woods! For questions about our choirs, bands, or arts offerings, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Adult Choir

Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We rehearse Thursday evenings at 7PM, beginning September 3, in the Choir Room. We look forward to having you with us.

Children’s Choir | Grades 1–5

Do you have child that just loves to sing, or wants to give it a try? Then come on out to Children's Choir! It’s super fun, and the tunes are catchy and easy to learn.

Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 20, 10:35–11AM.

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on out! Any youth in grades 6–12 can join our SEEK Band. The SEEK Band offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities.

Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 27, 12:15–1PM, in the Choir Room.

Praise Band

Do you play an instrument, sing, or just love music? Then join our Praise Band! Our Praise Band leads worship at our 11AM service, with rehearsals on Thursdays, 7PM.

Reach out to Sarah Kent with any questions at skent@woodschurch.org.

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.

Woods Softball Game vs. Saint John’s

Our final game of the season will be this Sunday, August 30, 2PM, as we take the field agains Saint John’s at Elvaton #1.

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

Church Family News

Celebrating Annette Queen

Woods Child Development Center is thrilled to celebrate 30 years of faithful service from Ms. Annette Queen! Born to work with children, she began her journey here on August 1, 1996, as a part-day teacher, and has since worked in all of the WCDC programs—including 29 years in the Full Day 2’s program.

When asked about her philosophy of education, she cites having a great amount of patience, keeping your “funny bone,” and an abundance of love.

Reflecting on Woods, Ms. Annette says, “I love my job and wouldn’t leave it for the world. Good people, nice conversation overall. It is a great place to work and have fun.”

Her favorite memories include her mission trip to Jamaica, dressing up for Halloween, going out with the ladies after work, and school picnics in the park.

A woman of great faith, she shared this love of God and neighbor with who she calls her #1, Ms. Carolyn, who called her “Sadie” and you could hear them laughing in the kitchen frequently. Mr. Jeff was often included in these visits, adding his voice to the conversation.

For all this and more, we say: THANK YOU!

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!