Messenger is here!

July 22, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Family Summer Choir this Sunday
• Americana 250: A Pianorama
• Confirmation Class Sign-ups
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Softball Game vs. St. John’s
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, as I described a month or so ago, the Session went through a strategic review this past year and made some changes to its structure and its language as a result of that. As you know, in the Presbyterian Church, it is the Session that governs the church, not the pastors, staff, committees, or anything else. That means that all committees, boards, programs, and groups come under the Session in one way or another, and I thought it might be helpful to offer a visual “map” if this all seems a little confusing to you.

So, if you look at the chart above, you’ll see two columns of subgroups off of the Session. The column on the left is the “standing committees” of Session; these are the groups who oversee a particular area of ministry in the life of the church, and they make recommendations to the Session for decisions and take direction from the Session in their areas of responsibility. Some of those committees have large subgroups themselves, such as Music and Arts being a part of Worship. As I described before, this recent review process made some changes to the names of those committees to better describe what they do, with the biggest change being from “Missions” to “Service and Outreach.”

The column on the right includes special boards that work with particular programs or areas of ministry, but which are still ultimately accountable to the Session for their work. For example, Deacons are ordained to ministries of care and compassion, and the Board of Deacons coordinates and supervises the work of Deacons in active terms of service. As part of the strategic review, the Session decided to consolidate all the pastoral care ministries of the church under the Board of Deacons, since some care programs were under them but others were under the Session’s W.E.L.C.O.M.E. Committee, which is primarily focused on welcoming newcomers, working with new members, and engaging all members in active ministry. That shift, in turn, freed up a bit on W.E.L.C.O.M.E.’s plate to take on oversight of the church’s communications ministries, since those are so central to both welcoming newcomers and engaging church members as a whole.

Similarly, the new Board of Trustees is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the church’s finances and property, so those committees are now committees of the Board of Trustees rather than the Session. While Woods has not had a separate Board of Trustees for about 50 years at this point, this model is the most common one in PC(USA) congregations, especially larger ones, and it’s designed to make sure this important work gets done promptly and well without swamping the bandwidth of the Session.

The boards of the Woods Child Development Center (CDC) and of WoodsWise, which provides need-based financial assistance to residents of Sunrise Senior Living, are also accountable to the Session in terms of their policies and activities, and the congregation elects members of those boards every year based on the Congregational Nominating Committee’s recommendations.

I hope this visual representation and additional explanation is helpful in understanding who is doing what these days in terms of leadership in the life of Woods Church. If you are in doubt of who to turn to on a specific question or with a particular idea, just contact the Church Office and we will help direct you to the right person. We are eager to help you in your own ministry and participation here as part of Woods Church!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

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 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!

Americana 250: A Pianorama

On Sunday, September 20, 2PM, in the Sanctuary, join Junghoon Park for his piano recital, Americana 250: A Pianorama! Jung will play works by Bernstein, Beach, Horowitz, and Gershwin.

This concert is free and no ticket is required. A love offering will go to support the Woods Church music program. Questions? Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

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 each Sunday this summer!

• July 26 – Surprise! Wear a Super Hero costume!
• August 2 – Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
• August 9 – Music & Arts (three volunteers needed)
• August 16 – Traditional Sunday School class led by Ms. Marsha and Ms. Gale
• August 23 – Outdoor Play
• August 30 – Computers & Games
• September 6 – Labor Day Weekend Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)

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.

In Our Community

Woods Softball Game vs. St. John’s Church

This Sunday, July 26, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Saint John’s Church at Elvaton #1.

No experience is required and you already made the team! You must bring a smile, and be at least 16 years of age by December 31. No full-time commitment is necessary.

If you are thinking… “There’s no way I can participate... I am way out of shape...” then don't worry, you’ll fit right in! Although the GSPCCSL may sound super legit, it’s actually just a bunch of post-prime athletes working to stay young. You’ll have fun!

Interested? Contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

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!