Messenger | July 30, 2025
Messenger | July 30, 2025
This week's release at a glance:
- Pastor’s Message
- Welcome Junghoon Park to Woods
- Confirmation Class Registration is Open
- My Mosaic Journey on Display
- Support the Cecilia McKay Fund
- August is a Month of Beginnings!
- Pastors’ Bible Study
- Softball vs. College Parkway Baptist
Pastor's Message
Friends, I’m pleased to introduce Junghoon Park as our new Organist/Accompanist here at Woods Church, and invite you to make a point of welcoming him for his first Sunday at the organ console this
Sunday, August 3.
Junghoon is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and an accomplished musician with a rich background in both solo and collaborative artistry, actively performing in the DMV area. He has participated in prestigious events such as the National Music Festival, Wonderlic Competition, Liszt-Garrison Competition, and the International Keyboard Institute festival. In 2018, Junghoon received the title of Rising Star for his emotive interpretation of Earl Wild’s “Etude No. 4.”
Beyond his musical pursuits, Junghoon’s dedication extends to humanitarian causes. In 2022, he hosted a successful benefit concert at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, raising funds to support Ukrainian refugees. Junghoon’s experience in various competitions and music festivals, coupled with his dedication to sacred music reflects his versatility and commitment to music and promoting diversity. Jung brings a rich and accomplished artistry in classical music to Woods as well as his musicianship in jazz, gospel, and contemporary music.
I want to thank David Merrill, our Director of Music Ministries, and the search committee that worked on finding Junghoon for the time they spent on this process and the hard work they put into doing it. I am excited about working with Junghoon, and I hope you’ll join me in helping to make him feel at home here at Woods!
Peace and blessings,
—Pastor J.C.
Church News
Confirmation Class Registration is Open
Sign-ups for our 2025–2026 Confirmation Class are open! Our 8th grade Confirmation Class meets every Sunday, 2–3PM, starting September 14, and going through May. This class is designed for 8th Graders to explore their relationship with God, recommit themselves to their walk with Christ, and take the step to join the church. In this class, you’ll learn more about your faith, what it means to be the Church, and how to share your faith with others!
In addition, we are offering a NEW High School Confirmation Crash-Course for any high school students who are interested in being confirmed and joining our church, but might be a bit old for our normal 8th grade class. This also is a great option for students who have been confirmed before, but are interested in taking a refresher class. This class will meet on Sunday afternoons, 3:30–4:30PM, starting on September 14, and will last only one semester.
My Mosaic Journey on Display
The “My Mosaic Journey” exhibit by artist and member, Terri Allen Jackson, is now on display in the church hallway leading to the Sanctuary.
The exhibit showcases her journey featuring several of her collections. This is an interactive exhibit as you can scan QR codes on each mosaic and view a video on the process of each piece from inspiration, to trials and errors, to grouting, and finishing.
A brochure is available on her collection in the hallway where her art is displayed.
For more information about exhibiting at the Woods Gallery, please reach out to Jenny Henry at
jennyhenry118@comcast.net or Sharon West at
sharonswest@gmail.com.
Mission News
Support the Cecilia McKay Fund
There are many budgeted Mission efforts at Woods…but a daily need is to help those facing eviction or having their electricity cut off through the Cecilia McKay Fund. It relies on direct donations (online or by check with Cecilia McKay in memo). We all know how electric bills have gone up, but what if you were living on the edge financially.
In April, May, and June, we have helped 45 families overcome financial issues (37 for BGE); 125 requested assistance. We cannot help everyone (ask Dick Moore for the criteria). In those three months, Cecilia McKay disbursed over $9,000! Without your help, we will need to say no to even more folks in need.
Please consider earmarking $50 or $100 to Cecilia McKay Fund for families in need. Thank you!
Children's News
August is a Month of Beginnings!
The start of school is RIGHT around the CORNER! Mark your calendar now for Sunday, August 24, the week before school starts. Bring your backpack, sports bag, lacrosse stick, soccer shin guards, or what have you for a time of blessing and celebration during the children’s moment in worship. Friends and neighbors are invited, too!
Then, be ready to bounce into the new program year with our kick-off event on
Sunday, September 7, following our 9:30AM worship service. Get ready for friendships, good food, more stories, and more fun!
Education & Small Groups
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.
In Our Community
Game Day vs. College Parkway Baptist
Game On! This Sunday, July 27, 2PM, we’re taking the field against College Parkway Baptist Church at Elvaton #1.
No experience required and you already made the team! Qualifications include: 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 interested, contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.
A Moment of Prayer
God our shepherd,
you are our safe place, our shelter,
our ground, our breath.
We turn to you in hope and trust,
knowing we have come this far by faith,
and you will guide us all the way
Mold our daily patterns for your purposes
so that we may live as one heart and mind
with you and our neighbors,
rejoicing together and praising your holy name,
through Jesus the Christ.
Amen.
From Call to Worship Volume 59.1
