Messenger is here!

June 24, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Church Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day
• Welcome Back WoodsWork-ers!
• Meet the Artists
• Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Save the Date for the Woods Church Annual Holiday Bazaar, November 21
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

It’s hot. No...really, it’s HOT.

There are times when we complain a bit too easily about our flukey Mid-Atlantic weather, but this is a time for which the use of superlatives is more than justified. I am grateful that our WoodsWork team completed their work in Richmond earlier this week and will not have to build houses in this heatwave. We give thanks for all those whose livelihoods require them to endure the weather to support the public, and pray for their welfare. Our prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones to the unprecedented heat as communities in Europe struggle to bear record temperatures with infrastructure ill-suited to these extremes.

In this time of heightened danger, please reach out to your neighbors and friends to check on those who are at risk of heat-related injury or who may not have access to temperature-controlled shelter. Anne Arundel County Government and the City of Annapolis operate designated cooling centers during heat emergencies, such as Police District station lobbies, Senior Activity Centers, Public Libraries, and specific recreation centers. More information can be found at: https://www.aacounty.org/cooling-relief-summer-weather. Arundel House of Hope will provide 24-hour overnight cooling relief from Wednesday at 8AM through Sunday at 4PM, specifically for the unsheltered. Let us live into our Matthew 25 charge by actively caring for our fellow Children of God.

As a congregation, we will celebrate Communion together at worship on Sunday. Please know that, while worship is a communal act and the preferred default for the church, it should not come at the cost of your safety. If you feel that worshiping online is a more sensible option for you this week, I encourage you to gather your communion elements at home and join us on the live stream. Please take care of yourselves and do what is best for your health and that of your loved ones.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday, wherever you may be!

Peace,

—Sarah Wilson, Interim Pastoral Associate

Church News

Church Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day

As a reminder, the Woods Church Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.



If you are in need of pastoral care, please call 410.288.8359.

Welcome Back WoodsWork-ers!

The WoodsWork team returned home to Severna Park this week. We look forward to hearing about their experiences in the near future. Until they are rested from their trip and ready to share, we can see their work, worship and play through the online photo gallery. Click here to view photos.

Meet the Artists

Meet the artists from our Art & The Bible Camp Arts, and see their work with the Images of God on Thursday, July 9, at a reception in the lobby at 4PM.

Campers ages 4–12 have worked hard to think deeply about the ways that the Bible describes God. Come see those scriptures through the eyes of our youngest disciples!

Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday

All are invited to celebrate Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday with a potluck luncheon on Saturday, July 11, 2–4PM, at Whitehurst Club House (360 White Cedar Lane, Severna Park). Please bring a dish to share

Save the Date for the Woods Church Annual Holiday Bazaar

Save the date for the Woods Church Annual Holiday Bazaar, which will take place on Saturday, November 21, 9AM–1PM.

Start gathering donations now! We are looking for new or gently used children’s clothing from toddler to youth size 10, jewelry, books, records, CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, artwork, toys, musical instruments, dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, small working appliances, lamps, collectibles, and holiday items. Items that we are unable to accept include baby strollers, children’s high-chairs, car seats, cribs, electronics, and furniture. Proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit the Outreach and Service Committee (formally the Missions Ministry) of Woods Church.

Questions? Email Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com or Delia Edelmann dedelmann30@gmail.com.

Family Summer Choir

Are you around over the summer and interested in singing, then come on by and sing with us! The Family Summer Choir will be singing on Sundays, July 5, July 26, August 16, and September 6. We will meet at 8:45AM in the Sanctuary Choir Loft and learn the piece that morning. Not to worry all, the tunes are recognizable, and a quick learn!

If you have any questions, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. Looking forward to hearing you sing!

Support Our Bagel Ministry

Looking for a way to honor, celebrate and/or remember a family member, friend, or special event? Consider sponsoring bagels following our worship services on Sunday mornings! The cost is $100.

For more information, contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Youth News

Children's News

Summer Sunday School is Doing a New Thing!

Join us for immersive Bible story experiences this each Sunday this summer!

• July 5 - Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
• July 12 - Traditional Sunday School with Ms. Marsha and Ms. Gale
• July 19 - Computers & Games
• July 26 - Surprise! Let's see your Super Hero costume!
• August 2 - Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
• August 9 - Music & Arts (three volunteers needed)
• August 16 - Traditional Sunday School with Ms. Marcia and Ms. Gale
• August 23 - Outdoor Play:
• August 30 - Computers & Games:
• September 6 - Labor Day Weekend Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)

All Aboard!

Online registration for Day Camps and VBS Express are now closed. If you need assistance, contact Lindsey Miller or email children@woodschurch.org. More stories! More fun!

Education & Small Groups

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and our Interim Pastoral Associate Sarah Wilson 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.

Church Family News

Tech Volunteers Needed

Easy to learn! We’re currently looking for volunteers to help with running slides and cameras during our worship services. This would be a great opportunity to support our church behind the scenes and/or pick up a new skill or two!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, email Eric Willner at ewillner@woodschurch.org.

Lost & Found

Please check the Church Office’s Lost & Found for items that you are missing. Items will sit on the counter for one week and then will be housed in the sliding cabinet under the staff mailboxes. The collection will be donated at the turn of the next season, so please check the cabinet if you are missing something!

Water bottles, jewelry, and eyeglasses often turn up—have faith!