Messenger | July 5, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

Pastor’s Message

New Member Class

Sing in the Family Summer Choir

Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund

Youth Summer Gatherings

VBS Couldn't "BEE" Better!

Kdisaat Family Celebration

Farewell, Ted Markle

Pastor's Message

Dear friends and family of Woods Church,

When we celebrated July 4th just yesterday, we were reminded of the significance of freedom and unity as symbols of our country. These themes resonate with the Biblical understanding of what it means to be citizens of God's kingdom: free in Christ and united as followers of Christ.

This Sunday, we will consider the complicated and important meaning of diversity. We do so by remembering that we are all one in Christ. Unique and different and particularly gifted, but in God's kingdom, together.

As we think about the multiple ministries that have unfolded in outreach just this past week (WoodsWork, Vacation Bible School, the Fourth of July Parade with Noah's Ark, Children's and Praise Band ministries and a new Bible Study), we can be thankful that we have been called in our diversity to belong to Woods Church together.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Nancy

Church News

New Members Class

Welcome Ministry will hold a new members class on Sunday, July 9, 11AM, in Founders Room. Come join us for worship at 9:30AM, and stay for membership info following our service. All are welcome!

For more information email Kathie Hamlett at Khamlett@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.

Support the Woods Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund

We have a need for donations to replenish dwindling assets in the Cecilia McKay Fund. You can imagine that with the paucity of rental units, people who previously were doing OK now have a rent increase in addition to gas, food, etc.

Your very generous donations during COVID have been a God-send….but they will soon be depleted. This fund provides financial assistance to those with eviction notices, power cut-off, or other utilities if deemed appropriate.

The Cecilia McKay Fund is not a part of the Woods budget and is only funded by direct donations. Won't you help with this important effort of outreach to the community? Donations can be made online. Checks should be made out to Woods Church with Cecilia McKay in memo line.

"By my works I will show you my faith" (James 2:18)

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!

Ministry Announcements

Youth Summer Gatherings

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

VBS Couldn't "BEE" Better!

VBS is in the books! YAY! Thank you so much for your prayers, participation, and support! We had about 50 children and youth, and 32+ adult helpers. We fed church members whose children were too young to attend, and family members from parents to grandparents. We had leadership participation by every ministry area! Special thanks to: PWOW, CM, YOUTH, CDC, MISSION, WELCOME, GARDEN, ADULT STUDY, PROPERTY, FINANCE, MUSIC, PERSONNEL/STAFF, REHABBERS, & DEACONS. We fed Harundale with our spaghetti, mac & cheese, and taco leftovers. We collected 1 & 1/2 barrels of food for SPAN and so many books for Marian House. We had a "Continuing the Conversation at Home" post for VBS about Ministry of Hope-Malawi.

When something is memorable, it is often called "sticky?" Our VBS was as sweet as honey, but was it sticky? Ask a child who attended about leaf-cutter bees! So fun.

Be looking for our "SAVE THE DATE" for VBS 2024!

Continue the Conversation at Home

How can we welcome Jesus? Let's Continue the Conversation at home with If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Gale Thomas.

New Bible Basics Class

In Adam Hamilton's Making Sense of the Bible, you are invited into an honest conversation about the Bible. We begin with foundational questions such as, how and when was the Bible written? Who decided which books made it and why? How literally must we read it? And, is the Bible ever wrong?

We will consider the real questions people frequently ask that continue to divide Christians, including:

• Were Adam and Eve real people?
• Why does God seem so mean in the Old Testament?
• Why would Paul command women to "keep silent in the church"?
• Is Jesus the only way to salvation?
• How does God view people with different sexuality?

In approachable and inviting language, we will try to address these often misunderstood biblical themes leading readers to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.

Classes are held on Sundays (through August 6), 11AM, in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom (Meeting ID: 818 4983 5186 | Passcode: 551274).

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 9, 2PM, against St. Andrew's Church at Elvaton #1.

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.

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.

Newborn

Congratulations to Debbie and Eric Jan on the birth of their grandson, Logan Matthew Casmey. Parents are Kelly and Kyle Casmey. Great grandparents are Liz and Doug Pringle.



Farewell, Ted

Ted Markle, our organist and accompanist, has taken a new position at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Maryland. Christ Memorial is about five minutes from his house. Although this is a huge loss for Woods, we are grateful for the eight years Ted was here, and we are grateful for his leadership, kindness, and immense talent. We will surely miss him and his ministry.

Ted's last Sunday at Woods will be Sunday, August 27. A party in his honor will take place after worship in the Fellowship Hall. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate Ted, and his amazing accomplishments!

Farewell, Ted, and THANK YOU!

Congregational Prayer

Merciful God, as we endeavor to enjoy the blessings of these summer months and opportunities for vacations, remind us always to remember the needs of others. Let us pray without ceasing for all people trusting in your grace and mercy to guide, protect and comfort them. Let us seek peace wherever we may go, finding your goodness and grace in each one of them. Amen.