Messenger | January 24, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• A Second Week of Winter Relief
• Coffeehouse Concert
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Apportionment is Due
• A Note from AIJN
• Upcoming Youth Events

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Albert Einstein was actually a very proficient violinist. He would play string quartets with other noted musicians at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. But there are numerous anecdotes about times when his playing would become erratic and the other musicians would snap at him "Albert, can't you count?" It is funny to imagine the greatest mathematician of modern times being accused of not being able to count.

I've been reading a book of essays by the Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli, including one with the intriguing title, "The Many Errors of Einstein." As brilliant as Einstein was, he was also wrong about many things. We know now that the universe is expanding, but when Georges Lemaitre used Einstein's own theories to prove this fact, Einstein dismissed this idea as nonsensical until he had to eat his words 10 years later. Einstein also believed for a while (erroneously) that the universe ended at the edge of a black hole, and he went back and forth over his life both accepting and denying the existence of gravitational waves.

Rovelli lists off several examples of Einstein's errors, not to discredit the man, but to remind us that "intelligence is not about stubborn adherence to your own opinions. It requires a readiness to change and even discard those opinions." (Carlo Rovelli)

It takes courage to make mistakes, to change one's mind, to admit our errors. But being a person of faith means we often admit we're wrong and strive to do better. That is why we have weekly Prayers of Confession in worship. That is why we give thanks for God's grace that redeems and redirects us on a regular basis. Being right isn't the important thing. Being faithful, trusting in the Lord, remembering we are saved by grace—those are the things that matter. Hold fast to that good news this week.

Grace and peace to you,

Pastor Randy

Church News

A Second Week of Winter Relief

Thank you for your support of our Winter Relief program. We have been providing shelter for 40 guests this week who otherwise would be housing insecure and at risk from the cold weather. Woods Church has been asked to cover emergency needs for next week as well (January 29–February 5), hosting a group of 14 guests.

If you can volunteer as a set-up, clean-up, chaperone, or meal helper for this additional week, please contact Scott Wiley at 410.353.1491 or wilecoy2us@gmail.com.

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.

Apportionment is Due

Our congregation is one of 63 Presbyterian churches in Baltimore Presbytery, and one of almost 10,000 churches in the PC(USA). Each congregation is asked to pay a "per capita" assessment to support the work of our entire denomination. For everyone listed as a member of Woods Church as of the end of 2022, we are asked to contribute $40. These funds go to the General Assembly ($9.85), Synod ($1.15), and Presbytery ($29) branches of our denomination.

Not every church is able to contribute the full per capita, so honoring our commitment to this apportionment is very important to the overall health of our denomination. We include a full payment of this obligation in our annual budget and then encourage each member to contribute the cost of this $40 per member apportionment.

On behalf of the staff and leadership of Woods Church, we thank you for your generosity and continued support.

Missions News

A Note from AIJN

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Ed Class

Adult Education is offering a new study on The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine, Sundays through February 11, 11AM. Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow God’s word, parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature, and beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers—then and now—have found difficult. He instructs disciples to act as if they are slaves, and to sell their possessions and give the money to the poor. Dr. Levine shows how these difficult teachings might be interpreted today.

Books are on the office credenza. Class will meet in the office conference room and on Zoom.

“Spiritual Warrior” Pathway

On Sunday, February 4, 11AM, Woods member John Officer will join us in Room 208 to discuss his approach to discerning and navigating a more effective path through life by encompassing traits from both our warrior and spiritual selves.

Productivity without a spiritual component can result in a hollow existence, while spirituality without warrior function may limit our effectiveness in getting things done. Pulling from his years of experience as a highly successful coach at the collegiate level (including 30 years at the USNA), Officer has identified a pathway to greater personal fulfillment in his concept of the “Spiritual Warrior.”

Youth News

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

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home about how sometimes we need a friend, or two-or three-or four, to help us see Jesus. A man who could not walk needed four friends to help him see Jesus. They did it in a different way that was all their own. They lowered him through the roof! Friends are wonderful at helping us get closer to God, even when it seems impossible!

Glenys Nellist has another great book, 'Twas the Season of Lent, filled with Bible stories, devotions, and prayers. There is one for every day of Lent. Let me know if you want a copy for your family to use. We will have some for sale at the Pancake Supper, or you can get one before then.



I wonder if you will find a way to help a friend who just can't seem to feel close to God this week. Can you help them remember that they are safe, they are loved, and they are not alone? One place to remember that and to feel close to God is in church. I hope I will see you there!

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.

Congregational Prayer

Loving God, I give you thanks for breath and life, for the people I will see today, for family, neighbors and friends. Help me to give thanks especially for the people who pull me to new understandings and show me sides of life that I have not known or appreciated. By your grace may I follow where you lead today; in Jesus' name.



Amen.