Messenger | February 12, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Honoring Black History Month
• Adult Mission Trip to Richmond
• High School Ski Trip
• Get Ready for VBS!
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tickets on Sale Now
• We’re Looking for a Director of Operations
• WCDC Seeks Preschool Teacher
  

Pastor's Message

This week, we are challenged by many things: changes in political protocol, weather patterns that leave us with multiple inches of snow that impact plans and schedules, complicated and confusing interactions with global and local partnerships, and more. These shifts leave us with a variety of feelings (extreme to apathetic) as we struggle to adapt, adjust or confront.

The 10 week Seminar series at the Woods Care Center led by Bill Hocking is considering how we may feed our souls in troubling times by discovering more about our spiritual natures. Our personal feelings inform us about these…while being in touch with what we feel is not always easy. We are bombarded by external input from the digital world and often unprocessed information on social media. Too frequently we absorb these as “truth” and don’t have or take time to think or feel for ourselves.

Recently I have been introduced to ChatGPT—an AI phenomena that may represent this experience of disconnect from our own hearts and souls. I asked “Chat” about its personal experiences. “Chat” responded thus:

“…I don’t have feelings. I can recognize emotions and respond in a way that mimics human conversation, but I don’t actually experience emotions like happiness, sadness, or frustration. I’m just processing text and generating responses based on patterns in data. But I can still chat wit you, listen, and offer support if you need it.”

Jesus gave us his heart. As Christians, we follow a true human and spiritual being in Jesus Christ and we are called to reflect him in the way we live our lives and accompany others. May Christ’s feelings for us and the world be reflected in and through you during these challenging times.

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Honoring Black History Month

February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

This February, we will be honoring Black History Month through gospel music. On Sunday, February 23, we welcome gospel singer Carla Sullivan to sing with the Adult Choir an anthem, titled “He Never Failed Me Yet.”

Homebound Communion

Homebound Communion will be offered on Sunday, March 2, following our 9:30AM service. If you would like to be included or know of anyone in the congregation who might enjoy having communion brought to their home, contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org

Adult Mission Trip to Richmond

We are looking for 10+ participants for a mission trip to Richmond, Virginia, to work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate, Monday–Saturday, April 28–May 3.



Education & Small Groups

New Israel-Palestine Series

Please join Adult Education in February for a four-part series on the Israeli-Palestinian Confrontation led by Dr. Bill Hadley, an expert on the subject. The sessions will be held from 11AM–12PM in Room 208.

• February 16: The Nature and Significance of Israel’s Settlements in the West Bank
• February 23: Where is This Confrontation Headed?
  

We're Savvy Seniors

Our February Savvy Seniors event will feature gentle chair yoga by our own Kat Green. Kat will employ principles from the Breathe For Change movement, a wholistic program for educators designed “to bring wellness, inspiration and community to every educator and student.” This higher-education institution offers teacher training intended to deepen educators’ well-being, improve student outcomes, and create meaningful change the school communities. Kat will offer a seated yoga session incorporating mindfulness, movement and well-being. Come and be inspired with us!

If you’re savvy and a senior, join us on Tuesday, February 18, 1–2:30PM, in Fellowship Hall.

Pastors’ Bible Study

Lead Pastor J.C. Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 12PM, 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.

Youth News

High School Ski Trip

Our annual ski trip for high school youth will be held Friday–Sunday, February 21–23. We are going to Ski Sawmill Family Resort in Pennsylvania for a weekend of skiing and fellowship! The trip—equipment rentals included—is only $50 per person. All Youth 9th-12th grade are welcome. We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions, email our Youth Director Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org.

WoodsWork 2025

WoodsWork 2025 is headed to Nelsonville, Ohio, this summer and all high school youth are invited! This house-building mission trip will be June 19–27, and registration is open now! Sign up online! For more information, download the flier!

Children's News

Register Today for VBS!

Registration is open for Vacation Bible Study! This year’s program will be held July 14–17, 4–7PM, with dinner at 6:30PM.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from Sunday. We heard the story of Jesus' call to "Follow me!" The fishermen said, "Yes!" and dropped their nets to follow Jesus. We had three baptisms. This is how we answer the call to "follow me" from Jesus. It is a first step in a whole lifetime of following the example of Jesus.

Do you ever wonder what Jesus' voice sounds like? Was it loud and booming? Was it soft and comforting? Maybe it was both.

Jimmie Allen and Cathy Ann Johnson made a book, My Voice is a Trumpet," that talks about the many ways we can use our voices. They can be soft and wise or strong and confident. I think whenever we hear people speaking of love and kindness and justice we hear Jesus' voice. "I'll say no to hate by using this voice, and ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE." That is a message that Jesus spread with his voice.

Following Jesus might mean using our voice to share Jesus' words of love and caring for others. What words will you speak? How will you be a voice for love and sharing?

Music Ministry

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tickets on Sale Now

Woods Church will present The Hunchback of Notre Dame the weekends of March 28–30 & April 4–6.

What makes a monster and what makes a man? Step into the heart of Paris and experience the powerful tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This evocative musical, inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the acclaimed Disney animated film, brings to life the story of love, acceptance, and heroism set against the backdrop of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Join us as we follow Quasimodo, the gentle bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his journey to find acceptance and love in a world that shuns him. Alongside the courageous Esmeralda and the conflicted Claude Frollo, the story unfolds with themes of compassion, justice, the resilience of the human spirit, and finding your sanctuary.

Purchase tickets at www.woodstix.org. Questions? Email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

Let's Raise Some Dough

Grab a slice! On Thursday, February 20, 4–9PM, part of the proceeds collected at Squisito's Pizza in the Magothy Gateway shops (147 Ritchie Hwy E, next to Harris Teeter) will support our Music Ministry! Please mention the “Wood Church Music Fundraiser” when placing your order.

For more information, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Church Family News

Employment Opportunity

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church has a staff opening for a Director of Operations. The new position is responsible for overseeing the property, finance, and human resource functions of the church. Candidates must have skills/experience in property management, basic accounting/bookkeeping, organization/communication, and information technology.



For more information and to apply, please visit woodschurch.org/jobs.

WCDC Seeks Preschool Teacher

Woods Child Development Center is seeking a passion

ate and dedicated preschool teacher to join our educational team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. This role involves developing and implementing age-appropriate curricula that promote childhood development, while also ensuring the welfare of each child in our care. The ideal candidate will have completed the 90-hour pre-service training and have experience with preschool-aged children. This full-time position provides a pleasant working environment with generous benefits.

Please contact Roxann Bartone at rbartone@woodscdc.org with questions.

Support Our Bagel Ministry

In the 2025 new year, please consider supporting the Woods Bagel Ministry. The ministry offers bagels every Sunday after each service. You can honor or celebrate a person or special occasion of your choice. It is supported through your generosity and donations are $100. Your financial gift allows us to welcome all into fellowship.

To request a date, please email Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org or stop by after worship on any Sunday.



"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."—Matthew 18:20

Counseling & Care Center Offerings

Life Purpose 2.0 Energy Focused with Bill Daniel

Bill Daniels is offering a new energy module that will streamline some of the previous Life Purpose course content. The module will be offered on Sundays, March 2–30, at the Woods Counseling & Care Center.

• Do you understand your energy?
• Insights into your perspective and how that affects the way we see the world
• Do things beyond your control frustrate you?
• What would it be like to have some insights that would allow you to create your own joy?
• Often awareness can be generative and create positive energy

A Moment of Prayer

Loving and all present God, we are thankful that you see the big picture of our world and our lives. We know that you have plans for each one of us and we pray that we may know them and follow faithfully where you lead us. Let us reflect your love in Christ in all that we are and all that we do.

Amen.