Messenger | January 29, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

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

Pastor's Message

In February, we have several baptisms coming up on multiple Sundays, which is always a joy, both to share in this special moment in these particular people’s lives and faith, and because Baptism is one of the central acts and experiences in Christian life. So, given that, I thought I’d take the opportunity to remind us of what Presbyterians believe about why Baptism is such a crucial and sacred part of the Christian life.

In the Reformed theological tradition (of which Presbyterians are a part), we don’t believe that our salvation is contingent on being baptized. We believe we are baptized because we are saved, not that we are saved because we are baptized. Our tradition is relentless in its emphasis on the sovereignty and grace of God, which essentially means that God has both the first and final say on things. That, in turn, means that baptism is a response to God’s grace, not an acquisition of it. Instead, we talk about baptism as a sign and a seal of God’s saving grace. In baptism, we recognize and respond to that saving grace with gratitude and a commitment to a life of following Christ in our words, actions, and spirit. And so baptism is both our formal inclusion in the church, the body of Christ, and our commissioning as Christ’s disciples and ministers. Every Christian is called to ministry through their baptism; that is what is “different” about us after baptism. Those who are called to ordained ministries have specific responsibilities in the church, but those are in addition to the baptismal call that we all receive.

The question about baptizing infants or young children versus adults often arises in the conversations around Baptism. As you probably know, some Christian traditions will not baptize infants at all, while others (like ours) do. The reason for those differences is a theological one. Because of our emphasis on God’s grace, we don’t believe baptism is a conscious “decision for Christ” like Baptists or some other traditions do, which is why they require people to be old enough to make such a conscious decision in order to receive Baptism. We, on the other hand, baptize infants because we believe that God’s grace is already at work before we are even aware of it or capable of any understanding of it. So for us, there’s nothing different about baptism, per se, between infants and adults. What’s different is that adults being baptized are also able to declare their faith in Christ and intention to follow Christ as a disciple and a member of the church. Those who are baptized as infants have to do that when they are old enough to do so in order to be full members of the church. That’s where the tradition of Confirmation came from, for example, but that’s a different article!

Finally, in the Reformed tradition, Baptism is never a private experience, but an act in which the whole church participates. That is why we always do Baptisms as part of a regular worship service, because the congregation as a whole both witnesses and participates in the sacrament. Part of that is the opportunity to remember and reflect upon our own baptisms, and how we are living out our own baptismal promises and calling. But another crucial part is that the congregation is even asked a direct question about nurturing the person being baptized as they grow in their faith, whether they are an infant, child, or adult. That’s because Baptism is the formal beginning of a life of Christian faith, and we spend the rest of our lives growing in that faith, regardless of how old we are when we are baptized. It’s why we don’t have a tradition of “godparents” in the Reformed tradition; essentially, the entire congregation are someone’s grandparents, promising to help them grow in faith and discipleship throughout their life.

So, I hope you will be in worship on these special Sundays coming up to both witness and participate in this sacrament, and in welcoming these newest members of our congregation into our life and ministry together!

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.”

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.



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.

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?
  

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

Middle School Tubing Trip

Our middle school students are going tubing on Saturday, February 8, at Whitetail resort in Pennsylvania. All youth in grades 6–8 are welcome. We will meet at Woods at 9AM, and return around 5PM that same day. The cost is $40 per participant. We'd love to have you join us!

Reach out to our Youth Director Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org with any questions.

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.

Children's News

Register Today for VBS!

Registration open Saturday, February 1, for this year’s 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.

Calling All Who Sew

Costumes is looking for a few people who can sew and would like to help with some fairly easy sewing projects for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Fabric, pattern, and notions will be provided.

If you can help with these sewing projects, contact Susan Bohlman at susanrbohlman@gmail.com or David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. If you don't sew but would like to help with costumes, we would love to have you. There are many other ways that you can help out.

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.

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

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.