Messenger | February 7, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Coffeehouse Concert
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Ash Wednesday Services
• February Special Offering: Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund
• Souper Bowl of Caring
• Upcoming Youth Events
• Let’s Raise Some Dough

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Each night after I have put my dogs to bed in their crates in the garage and sung them the “Closing Time*” song, I give them a “state of the union” address concerning the security of their garage surroundings. “Your outside door is locked, the dog door is on, your blue light is flashing (monitoring for their electric fence) and your heater is set at a toasty 75 degrees,” I assure them. There is more, but not particularly relevant for this message. The ritual ends with admonition about their inevitable bedtime conversations with each other after I leave, “No telling fairy tales, no telling ghost stories, no telling stories about your families, no bragging about your ancestors, and—unless death is at your door—don’t bug me in the night”, I admonish them.

The routine is designed to reassure them (and me) that they may sleep well for all is right with the world and they may rest unafraid and peacefully.

If I were asked to give a similar “state of the union” address concerning God’s Kingdom these days, I’d be stuck. Watching the national and international news or simply listening to others talk throughout the day, “Closing Time” is NOT about coming to the end of a day and sleeping a satisfying and peaceful sleep. “Closing Time” is like a call to vigilance…for the end is possibly near.

There appear to be no safe and secure places, nor are there flashing lights to confirm such security. Even the temperatures that embrace us are unpredictable indicators of threatening climate change. With no “dog door” keeping evil out, it is quite possible that death is indeed threateningly at our door.…and there is nobody to “bug” who could help if it were!

However, “ fear not” for God offers us a “Closing Time” song at the end of each day, and so, I don’t have to make one up. It is sung throughout the Bible and we may sing it to ourselves at any time through prayer.

“God is our dwelling place (better than the garage)”.“God has hemmed us in behind and before,” securing the door. “Therefore, we should not fear nor worry about tomorrow.” This certainty allows us to confirm with the psalmist, “When I come to the end, I am still with you, God.” And, unlike my dogs, we are, in fact, encouraged to “bug” God whenever we need to do so, for we are told, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Let us listen to God’s song of “Closing Time” at the end of each of our days and be at peace.

—Pastor Nancy

*Melody taken from Semisonic; words, original.

Church News

Coffeehouse Concert

Join the Praise Band and friends for an evening of acoustic music, fellowship, and fun on Saturday, February 10, 7:30PM. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Sarah Kent at SKent@woodschurch.org.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Do you love pancakes? Join the Children's and Youth Ministries for a pre-Lent Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13, 5:30–7PM, in Fellowship Hall. Donations accepted. You can get ready for Lent and make a valentine to share with friends at Sunrise Senior Living.

Ash Wednesday Services

Join Pastors Randy and Nancy on Ash Wednesday, February 14, as we begin our Lenten journey together. We will have services at 12PM or 7PM, both including the imposition of ashes. You’re also welcome to enjoy a soup & bread luncheon in Fellowship Hall following our 12PM service.

Service of Wholeness

Join us in the Sanctuary for a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, February 21, 6:45PM. This is a deeply spiritual service of prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing by the pastors and elders for those experiencing emotional or physical concerns. If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or email her at madams@woodschurch.org.

February Special Offering: Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund

This past year, many of you have been extremely generous in listening to the Holy Spirit within you and providing funds to help those who request our help to prevent eviction and/or utility cut off. When they come in to our “Church on the Hill”, they are humbled and embarrassed by the circumstances which have led to their reaching out in hope…

• A mother of 3 whose spouse has passed away or is sick with cancer
• A widow/widower whose spouse was killed in a car accident
• A restaurant worker where flooding closed the restaurant and is temporarily out of work

At times, a person comes to Woods without any idea of where to turn for help….AND WE DO!

In the 2023 calendar year, through your blessed generosity, the Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund provided 94 individuals / families with financial assistance to keep them from getting evicted or having a utility shut off (averaging 8 a month)! Our guidelines say we can assist once a year; and only 17 of the 94 have ever asked for our help sometime in the past. There were a total of 318 requests for assistance, but our financial help (averaging $253 per request) was to those who were within (or close to) our designated boundaries (Arnold, Severna Park, Millersville, Pasadena) and some others who were the most needy.

The Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund is not a budget item; it relies on directed donations from you! This is an important Woods Outreach to our close by community! No donation is too small.

"If there is among you anyone in need. You should open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need." (Deuteronomy 15: 7–8)

Education & Small Groups

Savvy Seniors

The next Savvy Seniors gathering will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 1–2:30PM, in Fellowship Hall. The topic for discussion is "Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health," featuring Doctors Judith and Kevin Rossiter, Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, and Elder Bill Daniel. Friends are welcome; light refreshments provided.

Missions News

Guatemala Intercultural Encounters Trip

Are you interested in participating in the Guatemala Intercultural Encounters Trip with the Presbytery of Baltimore, April 6–13? Intercultural Encounters designs and facilitates experiences of encounter, reflection, dialogue, and mutual service between people of the U.S. and members of Central American communities in search of a more just, tolerant, and equitable world.

If you’d like to sign up or want more details, contact Sher Atkinson at sheratkinson@earthlink.net ASAP.

Youth News

Souper Bowl of Caring

Woods youth will be collecting the Souper Bowl of Caring offering after the 9:30AM and 11AM worship services on Sunday, February 11. Monetary and canned food donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go towards the SPAN Food Pantry to help feed the hungry in our community!

Upcoming Youth Events

On Saturday, February 10, middle schoolers are going tubing at Whitetail Resort! We will depart from the church at 9AM, via bus, and return at 5PM that same day. 6th-8th graders are invited to join us for a day of fun on the slopes!

On Friday–Sunday, February 23–25, high schoolers are spending the weekend skiing at Ski Sawmill Family Resort! 9th-12th graders are invited to join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship. We will leave from the church on Friday, 5PM, and return on Sunday, 6:30PM.

WoodsWork registration is open! All rising 8th graders through graduated 12th graders are invited and encouraged to join us on our building trip to Roanoke, Virginia, June 18–26.

Children's News

Getting Ready for Lent

Kat has several copies of Glenys Nellist's book, ‘Twas the Season of Lent. It is a lovely picture book with a story and short prayer for every day of Lent. The publisher made them available to the Baltimore Presbytery Educators for a reduced rate. They are $12 while supplies last. Please see Kat Green or Frances Carty if you are interested in having one of the books.

Also, mark your calendar for the Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13, 5:30–7PM, in Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy the fun and make a valentine for a friend!

Continue the Conversation at Home

Save the Date for VBS

VBS 2024 will be held July 15–18, 4–7PM, for all children 3-years-old to 5th grade. Come explore how Jesus practices justice, model’s kindness, and walks humbly with God. Children will explore lessons on mercy, compassion, generosity, and encouragement through songs, art, gardening, and story time. The cost is $50 per child with a maximum of $100 per family. Dinner is included for registrants, and we welcome family members to come share a meal with us at 6:30PM. Extra meal tickets will be available for additional family members for $5 per person per night. Register online.

Music News

The Secret Garden

Come and experience this beautiful musical, March 8–10 & 15–17, 7:30PM! This is a truly poignant and uplifting story about love, hope, and finding one's home. The story follows that of 12-year-old Mary Lennox, and her journey in finding her home: The Secret Garden. Within the church, we will use the imagery of a garden to represent our church and church community, as we nurture one another, grow and learn together, and guide each other along the way. We have incredible vocalists from the surrounding area, professional choreography, and beautiful lighting!

Tickets are $15; doors open at 7PM. For more information, please visit our ticket website at www.woodstix.org.

In Our Community

Let’s Raise Some Dough

On Thursday, February 8, 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 the Woods Church music program!

Our recent fundraisers with Squisito's have raised $525 in cash and gift cards. Let's add to that total!

In Our Community

New Art Gallery: A Stitch in Time

The Woods Quilters art exhibit will be up through Monday, March 18. On Sunday, March 17, after the 9:30AM service, members of the Quilters group will be available in the gallery to discuss their work.

The Woods Quilters group was founded approximately 25 years ago and meets at the church on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10AM. No skills are required except the love of fabric and fellowship. Our Quilters have aided in the making of the paraments that hang in the Church. Together we share new techniques, patterns, talents, and endeavors.

Congregational Prayer

Gracious and listening God, you are with us in all things and we are grateful for your presence. Support us in our times of joy and in challenge so that we are assured that we are not alone. We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are in need of the same sustenance as us, and we ask that you would guide us and call us to be your servants to them whenever possible. Grant us all security and peace together.



Amen.