Messenger | January 3, 2024

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Congregational Meeting
• From Our Sister Church in Cuba
• Continue the Conversation at Home
• New Adult Ed Class
• Savvy Seniors
• Winter Relief Sign-Ups
• Choirs Are Tuning Up

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

The first Sunday of the new year involves a convergence of two important events: the Epiphany of the Lord and the Baptism of the Lord. Epiphany happens on January 6 and is associated with the light of God's love shining from the dawn of creation until today (as well as the revealing of Christ as the Messiah through the visit of the Magi). The Baptism of the Lord (Jesus being baptized by John at the start of his earthly ministry) is celebrated on the Sunday immediately following Epiphany. This Sunday we will discuss both themes and celebrate the sacrament of communion.

Most of us don't remember our baptisms, but hopefully all of you have seen a baptism done during worship. Think of the waters of baptism as linking us with three things: God's creative purpose, cleansing power, and redemptive promise. Just as God called forth life from the chaos and deep waters of creation, baptism is when we are brought into new life through the baptism waters. And though we enter those waters (whatever our age) with human frailty and sin embedded in our lived reality, we are cleansed by God's grace and washed of unrighteousness. This sacrament is both a sign and a seal of how we are enfolded in God's covenant promise to be with us, even to the end of the age, giving us lasting hope and spiritual redemption (thanks to the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ).

The beauty of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord Sunday is that they are built around symbols that are part of our daily life. You turn on a light first thing in the morning; perhaps you can then offer a short prayer of gratitude like "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Or when you wash your face and reach for a towel to dry yourself off; perhaps you can say to yourself, "I am a baptized child of God. Through Christ all things are possible."

The little things we do each day actually become the big things that make up who we are and how we live our lives. Light and water: these two simple things are reminders of God's embrace available to you every day. So rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say: Rejoice!

Peace in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Randy

Church News

Congregational Meeting

There will be a brief congregational meeting between our two worship services on Sunday, January 21. It will begin at 10:25AM, and have four items of business: Approving Pastoral Terms of Call, Approving Updated Bylaws, Financial Update, and PNC Update. Download a copy of the amended Woods Church bylaws, including a summary outlining the major changes. Please join us for this important church meeting.

From Our Sister Church in Cuba

The most recent need for families of our sister church in Cuba is finding enough food. Woods was able to partner with an organization located in Cuba to purchase supplies and have them shipped directly to the church for distribution.

Our dear friends at Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada in Sancti Spiritus were immensely grateful and sent us a photo of some of the provisions they received, along with this message:

"Many thanks to Woods Memorial for sharing with us. We are grateful for the help because Cuba is living in very difficult and hard times. Greetings to the whole congregation."

It is the goal of the Missions Ministry to continue to send food supplies each month as long as possible. If you would like more information about our work with this church, please contact Marty Clayton at mclayton@atlanticbb.net.

Children's Ministry

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home about Epiphany. Sunday, we heard two stories about folks who recognized the baby born to Mary and Joseph as being Jesus! The Wise Ones from the East brought gifts because they recognized that something important and special had happened. Simeon was an old man who met Mary and Joseph at the temple when they brought baby Jesus to be dedicated. He recognized that this was the answer to ancient promises by the prophet Isaiah. He gave thanks and praise to God!

Rosetti wrote a poem that we often sing as a hymn around Christmas time. The first verse starts, "In the bleak midwinter..." The last verse, however, asks,

"What can I give Him, (Jesus), poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart."

I wonder, what would you give to God in thanks for this wonderful gift of Jesus? Is there something from your heart that you can do? Marianne Celano and Marietta Collins wrote a book, "Something Happened to our Planet" which tells how one child cared about reducing waste at her school. She worked with her friends and made a difference.



If you think of a gift you want to give, or something you want to do to show people God's love, let me know!

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, January 7–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.

Savvy Seniors

Join us Tuesday, January 16, 1PM, for our next Savvy Seniors forum in Fellowship Hall, Listening to Your Body. Geriatric health and fitness speakers will discuss physical changes associated with aging. They will answer questions you have about what to expect and offer suggestions on how to live your fullest life moving forward.

Missions News

Winter Relief Sign-Ups

Winter Relief is coming January 22–29, 2024. During this time, our church serves as a shelter for people who are housing insecure. Please sign up to donate a meal or volunteer at the shelter below or going to Fellowship Hall after services on Sundays, January 7 & 14. There are many ways you can show Christ's love to our neighbors in need. We need assistance with meal prep, brown-bag lunch prep, snack donations, evening and overnight chaperoning, driving, and escorting guests to showers at the community center. There are volunteer opportunities for youth and Stephen Ministers, as well.

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.

New SPAN Donation Location

SPAN donations can now be dropped off in the bins outside Zimmerman Hall. Help us help our neighbors! We’re always collecting:

• Canned & Boxed Foods
• Paper Towels
• Laundry Detergent
• Dishwashing Liquid
• Depends
• Bathing Wipes
• Diapers: Sizes 4, 5, & 6

Music Ministry

Choir's Are Tuning Up

For more information on any of our choirs, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir has started! Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles and genres of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We rehearse Thursday evenings, 7PM, in the choir room. We look forward to having you with us!

Children's Choir

Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome to come sing in our Children’s Choir! Our first rehearsal will be Sunday, January 14, 12:15–12:45PM, in the choir room. And yes, we have candy!

SEEK Band

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music… then come on down! Any youth in grades 6–12 is welcome to join our SEEK Band. The SEEK Band offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, January 14, 1–2PM.

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.

Hair Design Help Needed

We are in need of help with hair design for The Secret Garden. This would include creating ideas for specific hair looks and applying those ideas during our tech week and show days. If you enjoy working with hair, we would love to have you!

Email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org if your interested in helping.

Church Family News

Prayers for the Family of Jim Roberts

It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Woods member, James Boswell Roberts. Jim was a member of Woods Church since February 1984.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at Woods Church on Friday, January 5, 1PM, in the Sanctuary.

Please keep his wife Laurie, his daughter Pam, and all of their family and friends in your prayers.



Service for Rev. Dr. Terry Schoener

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for the Rev. Dr. W. Terry Schoener, Woods Church’s Pastor Emeritus, will be held on Saturday, January 13, 1PM.

Rev. Dr. Schoener was the senior pastor at Woods Church from 1979–2006, and was responsible for the development of many community services, including the Community Center, Sunrise of Severna Park, Woods Counseling and Care Center, and Back Pack Buddies. A significant leader in the Civil Rights movement, he was known for his faithfulness to God’s call, his personal commitment to the church, and his devotion to family.

The service will be followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.



We’re Looking for a Kitchen Coordinator

Woods Church is seeking a kitchen coordinator who will assist with food ordering, preparation, and serving meals for the Child Development Center and church events. This is an hourly, full-time position and the person is eligible for Woods health insurance coverage.

To apply, submit information to John McLaughlin, director of operations, by emailing jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.

Congregational Prayer

Living God, maker of all that is, we thank you for the gift of this day. Let me be a light in your world each day, reflecting your love and offering you praise by my humble acts of service and devotion. Guide me into this new year and make me an instrument of your peace. In Christ's name we pray.



Amen.