Messenger | February 5, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Honoring Black History Month
• Live Music & Free Coffee
• Adult Mission Trip to Richmond
• Middle School Tubing Trip
• High School Ski Trip
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tickets on Sale Now
  

Pastor's Message

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General warned that we in the United States are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, to the point that it constitutes a public health crisis. Around have of U.S. adults report experiencing significant loneliness and isolation, so it is a widespread problem. And isolation is a serious problem that erodes both our quality and quantity of life; it correlates directly with cardiovascular disease, dementia, and strokes, among other things. In fact, the health consequences of social disconnection are worse than that of obesity, and are equivalent to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day! The best antidote to these dangers is, of course, connectivity: building community in meaningful ways, whether with neighbors, friends, family, or all of the above.

Theologically, Christians would say the reason that loneliness and isolation are so damaging is because we were created to be in community with others. One of the first things God says in the Bible is in the creation narrative in Genesis, shortly after the story of creating the various aspects of the world and pronouncing each in turn as “good.” In chapter 2, we get the famous story of Adam and Eve, and it begins with the creation of Adam as the first human being, but it is also the first time God finds something wrong, or at least incomplete, with the world. “It is not good that the man should be alone,” God muses, and then creates Eve so that they can accompany one another in creation. Regardless of whether you believe that story is literal history or a theological fable, the point is that God created human beings to be in relationship not only with God, but with one another. Loneliness, from the beginning of existence, is a problem in the eyes of God; we were created for relationship and community, for “fellowship” as we often call it in the church.

Our church theme for 2025 is “Accompanying Others” in recognition of this theological conviction, and using the image of accompanying one another on the journey of life and faith together. We do this in all kinds of ways on a daily basis at Woods, often almost unconsciously. We accompany others in community with God in worship. We accompany others in understanding our faith better through education ministries. We accompany others in their time of need through our mission programs and partnerships, and through our ministries of care, particularly our Deacons and Stephen Ministers. And we accompany others in the joy of community itself through fellowships. These are not simply “for fun” (though they are!), but fellowship is really another form of care, of offering healing and wholeness to each other by coming together in community and not letting each other slip into distraction or absorption in all the busyness of life, which inevitably slips further into disconnection and isolation if it goes on too long.

This weekend, we have some wonderful opportunities for fellowship between the middle school tubing trip and the Praise Band’s Coffeehouse, both on Saturday. But even if you are not able to be part of one of those, I encourage you to be intentional about finding and building community with each other if you are not already doing so. Part of that is for the impact on your own faith and well-being; but at least is much because of the impact that you can have on the faith and well-being of others as we accompany one another. I look forward to connecting with you soon!



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. Most notably, on Sunday, February 2, we will sing the black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and 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

Live Music & Free Coffee

We are having our annual free Coffee House on Saturday, February 8, 7:30PM, in Fellowship Hall. Bring your friends and enjoy live music with the Woods Praise Team and friends.

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.



Let’s Grow Together with the Young and Old Art Exhibit

Visit the Art Gallery to enjoy photos of Woods’ Youth and Children’s Ministries. Woods Youth Ministry serves young people in grades 6–12 in our community by providing a safe space for them to connect with each other and explore big questions, grow closer to God through service and study, and experience new things in a supportive environment.

Our Youth Ministry consists of many different programs such as Sunday School, Youth Group, Confirmation Class, SEEK Band, and WoodsWork—all of which come together to make up the special community that is Woods Youth.

Woods Children’s Ministry serves the children, and their families, from birth through grade 5 with Sunday Morning programming, summer Vacation Bible Study, and seasonal events.

Our programming builds biblical literacy and participation in the life and work of the church. Families feel part of the community, are visible, and know that they are welcome at Woods.

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 2: The Nature of Israeli-Palestinian Hatreds/The Current State of Fighting
• February 9: Who Are the Israeli Hardliners and What Do They Want?/What Are HAMAS’ Aims?/ What Are Iran’s Objectives?
• 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.

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.

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.

A Note to Woods Church from a Winter Relief Guest

I thank each and every one of you for treating me with dignity and also the most respect I have been shown in a very long time. I plan to come back when I can. I don’t even want to leave. My heart feels not so heavy being around such wonderful human beings.

Love and God Bless!

Kim Carson

House of Hope Winter Relief

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

Bill Hocking Seminar Series

Bill Hocking's Spring Seminar series will begin on Monday, February 10, 4:30PM, in the Large Group Room at the Woods Counseling & Care Center.

The first session will delve into the work of journalist/author David Brooks in a discussion with Katie Couric on his book, Know How You Can Feel More Seen and Heard. (It is not necessary to read the book.)

Next in the series will be Irish poet, John O'Donohue, followed by Teilhard de Chardin and Annapolitan Caroline Oakes, with a scientific look at calming our brain and understanding how Jesus lived his life of prayer.

Please email billhocking100@comcast.net or nsullivan@woodschurch.org if you are interested. Space is limited; it would help us to know in advance how many wish to attend.

A Moment of Prayer

Gracious and loving God,

You have gifted the Church through your grace

to be your hands and do your work,

to be your voice and share your words,

to bring healing to a fallen world

and help make broken lives whole.

You have gifted your people with the blessings of your Spirit,

the power to transform lives and make all things new.

Now may our hearts receive,

our mouths proclaim,

our hands prepare for service,

that the love that we have known might overflow our lives

and pour into the hearts of others,

that all might receive your Grace,

your renewing Spirit and your love.

Through Christ our Lord we pray.



Amen.