Messenger | January 2, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Woods Deacons Spread Holiday Cheer to Local First Responders
• Seminar on the Romani People
• New Adult Education Class
• New Israel-Palestine Series
• Winter Relief is Coming
• Prayers for the Family of Blanche Bakke
• Prayers for the Family of Elaine Soderlund
  

Pastor's Message

It is now the first week of the New Year, 2025. We have celebrated Christmas and the launch of a new year, put away Christmas decorations (some of you) and made resolutions about new with better intentions. Where do we start?

I'd suggest we take our cue from God. The message from the Gospel this week about new beginnings refers us back to times in the very beginning where there was only the Word with God. In fact, that Word was God. When the Word became flesh it lived among us, accompanying us, and we were given the opportunity for change. Not just a resolution about making changes, but a genuine reality in which to live differently. To be different.

Becoming different necessarily involves others who observe us, other with whom we interact and with whom we practice hospitality and service and care. Last year we practiced the theme of making joyful noises. Woods has much to be joyful about, and the noises were abundant.

This year, in 2025, Woods begins the year "accompanying others." Certainly we do so still with joy, but also now with a strong awareness of the needs and challenges that others face. The resolve to accompany others on their personal journey is a worthy New Year's resolution.

Just as God was God "alone" in the beginning with the Word ( the two being one) and became flesh to accompany us on our life journeys, we, accompanied by God, now are called to accompany others. Let us do so with joy and resolution!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Woods Deacons Spread Holiday Cheer
to Local First Responders

Deacon Jim Hatcher, a military veteran, is the chair person for Woods Deacon’s First Responder and Military Committee. Jim delivered a generous platter of holiday goodies to Station 23 on behalf of the Woods Congregation with the following note:

Holiday Greetings to First Responders of Earleigh Heights / Jones Station Fire Department! On behalf of the congregation of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, please accept this offering of our appreciation for your service to our community. It is our intention that you use this offering for your care, comfort, and enjoyment for each member during this Holiday Season.

Captain Robert M. Stanton, Jr., said that his timely gift served as refreshments for their holiday station party and was very much appreciated.

Thank you Jim for your good work on behalf of Woods supporting first responders and the military.

Seminar on the Romani People

On Saturday, January 4, 3PM, join the Woods Music and Arts Ministry for a seminar from Dr. Siv B. Lie, associate professor of Ethnomusicology and Musicology at the University of Maryland. Dr. Lie's research examines how Romani groups (also known as “Gypsy”) use music and language to advance their own sociopolitical and economic interests. Read more about her work on her website: music.umd.edu/directory/siv-lie.

The Romani people are part of the foundation of the plot of our spring musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, so we hope to use our discussion with Dr. Lie as an opportunity for the Woods community to learn more about their history, who they are as a people, and the term “Gypsy.” You are welcome to join the seminar with the Hunchback cast in the Woods Sanctuary or on Zoom.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class

Adult Education is offering a new study on Sundays, January 5–26, 11AM, featuring Which Way Lord by the Rev. Rob Fuquay. As Christians, we hunger to know and live out God's purpose for our lives. But how do we know for certain which way to go? This study aims to help you understand God’s direction for your life. Your guide for this journey is Paul, the missionary hero of early church history.

Through many detours, adversity, and time spent thinking about his life, Paul completely reoriented his understanding of faith and God’s purpose for his life. God placed Paul in a community that shared God’s love with him, and Paul underwent several years of training in his quest to follow Jesus and ultimately follow his call to be an apostle.

We will meet in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom. Books are in the office.

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?
  

Youth News

Winter Break

Youth programming is on a break over the holidays. Confirmation Class and Youth Group will both return on Sunday, January 5, at their regular times.

Children's News

Save the Date for VBS!

Vacation Bible Study for all ages—smalls, talls, and all—will be held July 14–17, 4–7PM, with dinner at 6:30PM. More information coming in January!

Mission News

Winter Relief is Coming to Woods in January!

Winter Relief is coming January 20–27. Sign up to help after each Service in Fellowship Hall or online on on the Church website.

There are opportunities for meal prep, brown bag lunch prep, evening and overnight chaperones, drivers, shower escorts, Stephens Ministers, laundry support, youth volunteers, and snack donations.

Please help us help the homeless. If you want more information about Winter Relief and how you can help, contact Scott Wiley at 410.353.1491 or wilecoy2us@gmail.com. Thank you for helping with this important mission.



Winter Relief Supplies Needed

The Winter Relief Shelter at Woods needs various supplies. Please donate new travel size toiletries: deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. (We do not need soap, conditioner, or combs or brushes.) The shelter also is in need of new men’s and women’s underwear including panties, undershirts and underpants of all sizes. (We do not need socks or men’s large underpants at this time.)

The items can be dropped off at the church office marked “Scott Wiley/Winter Relief.”



Information Session for Malawi Summer 2025 Mission Trip

Join us on Sunday, January 12, 10:30AM, in Founders Room to learn about mission trip details, ask questions, and meet the team leaders. Over the past several years, dozens of Woods members have traveled to Africa to learn from and support our mission partner, Ministry of Hope. We would love to have you join us! Trip dates are still being formulated, and we welcome your input.

For more information, please contact Pat Johnson at paj10041949@gmail.com or Karen Bennett at MDKBennett@gmail.com.

Music Ministry

2025 Music Notes

Mark your calendars today for these 2025 Music Ministry events.

• Squisto’s Music Fundraiser | Thursdays, January 23, February 20, March 20, 4–9PM
• Coffee House | Saturday February 8 (FREE!)
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Show dates are March 28–30 & April 4–6. Tickets are $20 and will available in the New Year.
• A Night at The Opera | Saturday May 10, dinner starts at 6PM. Tickets are $25 and will be available in the New Year.
• A Journey to Hope Concert | Saturday June 7, 7PM. (FREE but a reservation will be required.)
  

Church Family News

Prayers for the Family of Blanche Bakke

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Blanche Bakke. Blanche was a member of Woods Church since 1969.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email. Please keep Blanche’s family and friends in your prayers.

Prayers for the Family of Elaine Soderlund

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Elaine Soderlund. Elaine was a member of Woods Church since 1996 and served as an Elder.

Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 9, 2PM.

Please keep Elaine’s husband, John, and children, CJ and Jamie, and all of their family and friends in your prayers.

Light a Virtual Candle to Honor Someone Special

This holiday season, take a moment to honor someone by lighting a virtual candle on our website. Whether it’s for a loved one, a cherished memory, or a meaningful cause, your gesture can illuminate their importance in your life.

Lighting a virtual candle is simple yet profound, creating a space for reflection and gratitude during this special time of year. Visit our website to light a candle and share the warmth of remembrance and celebration with others. Let your light shine brightly this holiday season!

A Moment of Prayer

Creator God of all things new, we give you thanks for this year so recently past and for the many blessings received. We ask your blessing on 2025 and pray that we may help to usher in times of hope and peace in our world. Grant us good discernment and courageous ability to advocate for and to accompany others on their journeys. May we all be guided by your Word and Spirit.



Amen.