Messenger | July 12, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

Pastor’s Message

Homebound Communion

Sing in the Family Summer Choir

Fowler UMC Fund

Youth Summer Gatherings

Bowie Baysox Game

Kdisaat Family Celebration

Pastor's Message

Dear friends and family of Woods Church,

"The dog days of summer" references the hottest days of the year. Last week the world experienced the highest temperature in recorded history. This week we are told that—given proper location and absence of street and city lights—we in Maryland may be able to witness a colorful sky show from the Northern Lights.

We already know that our world is changing, as are we along with it. Sometimes those changes are brilliant and sometimes they are devastating.

I was reminded this week of the text from I Peter 5:10 that assures us that "after we have suffered awhile" we ultimately will be strengthened and settled and perfected. The struggles and challenges of our lives, while often hurtful, become like the "old gnarlings on the roots of an oak tree" giving foundation to who we are becoming.

Woods Church strives to be rooted and grounded in such love in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God that we are growing together in faith.

Strength and peace,

Pastor Nancy

Church News

Homebound Communion

We will be offering communion to those who are homebound on Sunday, July 23. If you would like to receive the elements of Communion to participate virtually from home, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

Sing in the Family Summer Choir

Come and sing with our Family Summer Choir on any of these Sundays: July 16, July 23, August 13, August 27, or September 3. Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings, 8:45AM, in the Sanctuary Choir loft.

For more information, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Consider Contributing to the Fowler UMC Fund

Many thanks to Woods Church for the generous response to the Missions Ministry and Session's request for donations to be collected for Fowler United Methodist Church in Annapolis. Your contributions will aid in their recovery from the recent vandalism to their church and property.

Donations may still be made online through Friday, July 14, on our church website, www.woodschurch.org (Click on "Give" in the menu and select the "Fowler UMC" fund).

For Our Hearing Aid Wearers

Woods has upgraded our hearing assist equipment with new technology. We have added a new Williams Sound FM 558-12 PRO FM+ Assistive Listening System. It consists of an FM transmitter and 12 new rechargeable FM receivers.



The FM receivers can be combined with standard earpieces (EAR 022 surround earphone) or inductance type neck loops (NKL 001 neck loop). While the earpieces are worn in place of (or in addition to) a hearing aid, the inductance loop allows the amplified sound to be transmitted directly to a telecoil equipped and enabled hearing aid. In each case the volume can be adjusted for best reception. Not all hearing aids are equipped with telecoils, and not all telecoils may be programmed for inductance loop reception. Please consult your audiologist if you are not sure about your devices.

Save the Date for Kick-Off Sunday

Mark your calendars now for Kick-off Sunday on September 10. Join us after worship to enjoy food, fun and fellowship for all generations! Come home to Woods…a place to belong!

Woods Holiday Bazaar

Mark your calendars for the Woods Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 18. Now is the time to start collecting items to donate. Our Bazaar is looking for good items for our various tables, including the White Elephant, Books, Christmas Shop, Holiday Greens, Jewelry, and Candy.

We will start accepting donations beginning Monday, November 13, 9AM–5PM. Your find might be a treasure for another person. Items can include collectibles, books (for adults and children), linens, cookware, pots and pans, glassware and china, decorative items, jewelry, framed pictures, small working appliances, handbags, and Christmas decorations.

Thanks for donating to help make the Bazaar a success

Ministry Announcements

Youth Summer Gatherings

Our Youth Group will next gather at Rita's Italian Ice on Wednesday, July 19, 5–6PM. Stop by for a free Rita's ice!

Continue the Conversation at Home

Jesus said if we bring our burdens to him, he will give us rest. We can help others when we learn about their burdens. How? We can be kind. Read Pat Zietlow Miller's book Be Kind, or watch/listen to it by clicking the button below. And don't forget to be kind to yourself, too!

New Biweekly Faith Connection Group

What: We Make the Road by Walking Discussion Group

Details: Join us to discuss We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren. This book's 52 readings will guide us through growing our faith together. Each chapter is 3–4 pages. If you are seeking a faith connection, come. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Location: Boone Station Gazebo

(Inclement weather: Room 150)

When: Sundays, July 16 & 30, August 13 & 27, 11AM–12PM

POC: Reach out to charitymatta@gmail.com.

Children’s Church Club is available for this group gathering.

We're Looking for a New Youth Director

The primary responsibility of the Director of Youth Ministry is to direct, train and recruit a team of youth leadership and adult volunteers to serve the spiritual needs of young people (grades 6–12) and their families by creating an environment where youth, their families, and their adult leaders can engage in life-long Christian growth and discipleship. The Director of Youth Ministry will plan for and provide for a robust program of Christian Formation for youth and their families.

Send resumes to clerkofsession@woodschurch.org.

In Our Community

Coed Softball

Our next game will be on Sunday, July 16, 2PM, against St. John's Church at Cypress #2.



No experience required! Players must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2022. Play as your schedule permits

If you are interested, contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

Bowie Baysox Game for Youth and Their Families

 The game is Sunday, August 6, 1:05PM. There is no charge. We have a limited number of tickets and interested parties should contact Dee Robinson at dee.h.robinson@gmail.com or 410.241.7229 to reserve tickets.

Kdisaat Family Celebration

Exciting things have happened this year for the Kdisaat family, the Syrian refugee family Woods sponsored six years ago. The oldest boy, Yazan, just graduated from high school. And last fall, Yazan and mom Ramya received U.S. citizenship. For all who know or have worked with the family, there will be a celebration open house on Sunday, July 16, 2–4PM, at the Bohlman home (8429 Turnhouse Ct., Pasadena).

Stop by and see the family and share their celebration of these milestones. Please RSVP to SusanRBohlman@gmail.com.

Congregational Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for your presence with us and for your guidance throughout our days. We turn to you for comfort and consolation in losses, and—as we seek to heal our hearts—we ask that you would direct us in the ways you would have us go.

Let us walk with others on their journeys inviting them to share their stories with us. Enable us that we may be the hands and feet of Christ in both practical and compassionate ways.



Amen.