Messenger is here!

January 22, 2026

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Pastor Nancy’s Retirement
• Winter Weather Advisory
• Winter Relief
• New Members Class, February 1
• The Prince of Egypt Tickets
• Adult Mission Trip, April 20–25
• Sunday Fellowship Help Wanted
• Won’t You Be My Valentine?
• Super Bowl of Caring
• Middle School Tubing Trip
• High School Ski Trip
• Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026
• New Adult Ed Series
• Weekly Bible Study
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Support SPAN

Pastor's Message

As we intently watch the weather channels and websites, we do so with a mixture of dread and excitement. Predictions of snow range from two inches to 26 inches with a mixture of ice to cover the accumulation. What this means for us as Sunday worshippers, only time will tell in terms of in-person worship or not remains to be seen. The unpredictable outcome is a reality that is actually in each of our days..."and we live those days in God's gracious care."

This week, we, as Christians, are to be focused on Christian Unity and being intentional about that unity regardless of denominational differences or political perspectives. In many ways, we watch the news much like we obsess on the weather and can only wait for the outcome. Meanwhile we must prepare for any circumstance taking comfort in the knowledge that we are one in Christ and knowing that we are committed to helping each other no matter what.

This Sunday, we focus on Jesus' call to his disciples. And we are encouraged to listen for God's call to us as well and to be prepared to respond. We are especially grateful that we are hosting Winter Relief this week and that our guests will be housed and safe, and we are thankful for the gifts of those who have responded to God's call by serving them.

See you Sunday....one way or the other.

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

Pastor Nancy’s Retirement

Our dearly loved Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds will retire from both Woods Church and pastoral ministry this February. In countless ways through her pastoral care, preaching, and leadership, she has helped guide, nurture, and support our congregation and the larger community. We are planning events in Nancy’s honor on the weekend of February 7 and 8.

One of the ways we will celebrate Nancy’s ministry among us is through what the church often calls a “Love Offering,” meaning a financial gift that expresses our love and gratitude for her and her ministry among us. If you would like to contribute to this gift, you may do so in several ways. With cash or check, please put it in an envelope with Nancy’s name on the memo line for the envelope and check itself. You can either mail them in or leave the envelopes in the drop safe attached to the end of mailboxes in the Church Office.

Alternatively, you may give online at woodschurch.org. The last option is to text “WOODS NLR” to 73256 from your mobile device.

We encourage you to be as generous in your giving as Nancy has been in her spirit and service to God through our church.

Winter Relief is Here!

Winter Relief runs through Monday, January 26—and we still need a number of volunteers.

• Evening chaperones (Monday and Wednesday)
• Overnight chaperones (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
• Shower escorts (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday)
• High school youth volunteers (every day).

You may sign up online on the church website. Please help us help the homeless!

If you want more information about Winter Relief and how you can help, please contact Scott Wiley at 410.353.1491 or email wilecoy2us@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping with this important Mission.

New Members Class

We would love for your to join our family! Our next new members class will be held on Sunday, February 1, 10:45AM, in Founders Room.

If you have questions or would like to RSVP, contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

The Prince of Egypt Tickets Are Now Available

On March 13–15 & 19–21, 7:30PM, & Saturdays, March 14 & 21, 2PM, Woods Church will present The Prince of Egypt, a sweeping, epic musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, with a book by Philip LaZebnik. This powerful story follows two brothers—one destined to rule as Pharaoh, the other called to rise up and free his true people. Both must confront a destiny that will change history forever.

The cost is $20 per ticket.

Important Notes:

• Due to the inability to fully blackout all windows in the performance area, matinee performances will have ambient sunlight entering the space.
• This production includes strobe lighting effects, loud noises, and scenes depicting fighting and stage combat.
• This show depicts intense situation and thematic elements adapted from the book of Exodus. While children are welcome to attend, parental guidance is suggested.

Save the Date: Adult Mission Trip

Woods adults are welcome to join us on a Mission Trip, Monday–Saturday, April 20–25. We will travel to Richmond, Virginia, and work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate. We are looking for 10+ volunteers.

Click the button below to download an informational flyer. Contact Tom Lerario at txlerario@gmail.com or Scott Rundle at srundle69@gmail.com with questions and/or to sign up.

Youth News

Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026

WoodsWork 2026 will be held June 22–30. We are still finalizing our location, but we are hoping to open registration by the end of the year! Download the flyer for more details.

Children's News

Won't You Be My Valentine?

Yes, we are once again gathering valentine’s day cards for our home bound friends. You can hand paint them ( L.R. last year), fold them (L.L.), or get down-right crafty! Drop your valentines into the basket near the Welcome Desk, or come to a Crafting and Cupcakes Valentines Making birthday party on Tuesday, February 10, 3–5PM, in Room 155.

Everyone is Welcome in Worship at Woods

Sometimes little ears are sensory sensitive. Therefore, the Children’s Ministry has noise dampening headphones available on Sunday mornings. See Kat or Lindsey to sign out a set of headphones. Return them after the service. The headphones are cleaned after each use and ear guards will be changed.

This is one way that Woods Church works to be inclusive of all from the tall to the small!

Education & Small Groups

More Than Time: Measuring Days in Wisdom

“Teach us O’ Lord to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”—Psalm 90:12

NOT a class about time management, NOT a class about New Year’s Resolutions...

• What is a “heart of wisdom?”
• What is the role and purpose of time in God’s creation?
• The difference between a busier life & a better life
• How does a person measure their life?

Led by David Lohff, whose eclectic journey as a pastor, hospice chaplain, business owner, and fitness instructor may be helpful to point out scenery as we observe life together.

Join us on Sundays through February 19, 11AM, in Room 208 and on Zoom.

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 11AM, 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.

Music News

Music Ministry is Tuning Up

Be a part of our Music Ministry at Woods! For questions about our choirs, bands, or arts offerings, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Adult Choir

Rehearsals are held Thursdays, 7PM, in the Choir Room. Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We look forward to having you with us!

Children’s Choir | Grades 1–5

Our Children’s Choir is held on Sundays, 10:30–11AM, in the Choir Room. Wahoo! Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome to come sing! And yes, we have CANDY!

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on out! Any youth in grades 6–12 can join our SEEK Band. The SEEK Band offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities.



Rehearsals are held on Sundays, 12:15–1PM, in the Choir Room.

Praise Band

Do you want to lead worship with your voice or an instrument? Then come out and join us! Our Praise Band leads our 11AM Sunday worship service and rehearses on Thursdays, 7PM, in the Sanctuary.

Reach out to Sarah Kent with any questions at skent@woodschurch.org.

Mission News

Urgent November Food Drive for SPAN

Did you know 1 in 9 Marylanders may no longer receive SNAP benefits due to impending stoppage of federal food aid? This will have an immediate effect on food requests above and beyond our typical needs.

Please donate canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, beans, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, broth, bouillon, canned fruit, laundry detergent, dish soap, deodorant, and toothpaste. Place donations in SPAN bins behind the Welcome Desk in the Church lobby.