Messenger | August 7, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Second Sunday Book Swap
• Tuesday Night Thrive
• Sunday School Open House and Orientation
• Ushers Needed
• Stewardship Update
• Sing with Our Summer Choir
• Confirmation Class Signups
• Woods Words Quadrathalon
• Softball: Woods Church vs. St. Andrew’s

Pastor's Message

We have been focusing a lot in worship these last few weeks on the importance of walks of faith: what they look like and whether or not we are aligned with God’s plan for us. As we review the world from relatively safe and privileged vantage points, we may conclude that we are out of compliance.

Scripture speaks clearly about the need to follow God’s lead in Jesus Christ; specifically, speaking God’s Truth in words and action. As we gathered in worship this past Sunday, I realized how significant that hour in worship can be. It sits as a transition point as both closure to the week before and catalyst for what is to come.

We might be compelled to ask, from a spiritual vantage point, if we should stop and review the past or anticipate and plan for the future. The answer is probably that we should do both. Confession has us reflect on what is past while committing to new beginnings. Dedication invites us to give thanks for what we have had and prayer carries us into the hope and possibility for more faithful walks from here on.

It is important to note that our individual walks in God’s Kingdom on Earth converge with our walks of fellowship with one another. In preparation for this coming Sunday and in response to our week, let’s pivot, looking in both directions, and listening for God’s call to us in all that we see.

Peace,

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

Second Sunday Book Swap

We all have books on our shelves that we have read (or intended to read) that we would love to pass on to someone else benefit from and enjoy. For our Second Sunday Fellowship on August 11, the Adult Education and Small Groups Ministry will host a "Book Swap" table in Fellowship Hall immediately after our service. These will be (mostly) Christian-themed books, but not exclusively.

Bring a book that you are finished with and/or take a book that looks interesting to you. No need to bring one to take one! For bonus points, slip a card in the book with a sentence or three about why you liked the book. Books can be dropped off before the service at the table, ahead of time in Sarah Wilson's office, or simply when you come to the table.

We hope you will participate in granting new life to these shelf-dwellers and new fodder for your mental and spiritual growth.

Tuesday Night Thrive

On Tuesday, August 13, 6PM, gather with us for a time of praise and prayer followed by food, friends, and fun in Fellowship Hall.

We encourage everyone to stay and continue the fellowship and food with us, but please RSVP by Friday, August 9. See you all at Tuesday Night Thrive.

Sunday School Open House and Orientation

On Sunday, August 25, 10:30–11AM, come be part of the Joyful Noise of Sunday morning. Our Youth and Pre-K–Elementary programs will welcome the new year with an Open House and Orientation.

Both parents and students are invited to come see and hear what is new, what is coming, and what is joyful in Sunday School. OK! (Oliver and Kat) will speak briefly about their hopes and expectations for the coming year. They also will share how they are getting ready for Kick-Off Sunday.

See the rooms, eat the snacks, share the joy!

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.



Sing with Our Summer Choir

Come and sing with us on these summer Sundays: August 11 and 18, and 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.

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.

Stewardship Update

This Stewardship season, our Clouds of Witnesses have pledged $1,333,641, which represents 87% 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.

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.

Study guides will be available in Fellowship Hall after church on Sundays, August 11 and 18. They will be $10. Please stop by the table. If you can’t pick up at that time, give Bev Haines a call at 410.551.8412.

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

Woods Words Quadrathalon

We are going to learn some of the words of our faith! Athletes train their bodies and minds to be ready for competition. This summer, athletes from all over the world are competing in the summer Olympics. They have worked hard to be ready for some hard moments when they will be tested. We are prepared by faith to be God’s people. Athletes learn skills through practice and training. The church has prayer, scripture, and confession along with a family of faith to help us through challenges.

Olympians work for medals, but every day our “metal” can be tested. Enter your team to join the Woods Words Quadrathalon. The Woods “Quadrathletes” will learn and recite four faith statements that have been treasured by all ages throughout the ages.

Gather as many folks for your team as you want. Give them a snappy name. Turn them into Kat and recite John 3:16, and you are in! Reach your goal by demonstrating that your team knows the faith statements below, and finish the course by completing all four challenges. A mission activity of outreach or care adds extra points!

Scripture: John 3:16; Psalm 23

Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Confessions: The Apostle’s Creed

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

—Philippians 3:12

Woods Words Quadrathalon

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home about "why?" Sunday we talked about "Mission." We even had three people in need. One was hungry. One was cold. One needed a safe place. Then we had a list of Woods Church Mission Partners. We took a basket of supplies and matched them to the people in need. Then we chose Mission Partners to help those people with the supplies. The Mission of the Church is the why or the reason that we help others. In Matthew's book of the Bible, Jesus says that whatever we do for others we are doing for him. That's a really good why. Helping others is helping Jesus!

That reminds me of a book, The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi and Lorena Alvarez Gomez. A child is bored. They just sit around waiting to not be bored. Then, "a curious why" shows up and leads them out to ask questions, find things out, and to explore. "You've got a new interest. Boredom's been busted! Because with the Why, your outlook adjusted."

Curiosity is a key ingredient to intelligence, creativity, and social emotional health. Being curious engages what you see, feel, or think. Instead of reacting with what you think you might be seeing, feeling, or thinking you can explore and find out more. Then you can address what is here and now. It is an effective way of being with a difficult emotion like anxiety or sadness.

Friends, I hope you are curious this week. I am curious to hear what you have observed and learned. I am also curious to know how you have helped others, because that is really helping Jesus.

In Our Community

Woods Church vs. St. Andrew's

This week, our softball team will take the field against St. Andrew’s at Elvaton #1 on Sunday, August 11, 2PM. If you’d like to play, contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

No experience required! Players must be at least 16 years of age as of December 31, 2023. Play as your schedule permits.

A Moment of Prayer

Loving God, you created us in your image to serve others in love and to foster peace on Earth. We pray that your Spirit will guide us and lead us to be peacemakers regardless of the differences among us. We pray this day for all of your children and to encourage us to be citizens of free and peaceful nations.



Amen.