Messenger is here!

July 8, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• You’re Invited to Dinner Church, July 13
• Meet the Artists
• Celebrating Ginnie Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Softball Game vs. St. Jane Frances / OLC
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Woods is blessed with a large and thriving congregation. But one challenge with our size is ensuring that each and every person knows that they are valued and beloved as a member of our community. As part of our focus on strengthening the fellowship of our Woods family, we are resuming an outreach which was important and effective in maintaining connections in years past.

The Telephone Liaison & Connection (TLC) program was born when late, longtime member Jean Parker sat down at the reception desk with a photo directory and began calling Woods members—from A to Z. She called just to check in, ask how they were, and let them know that Woods cared about them. She had no agenda, no requests for money, or volunteer recruitment aims—she simply wanted to make sure her fellow siblings in Christ knew they were loved.

Inspired by Jean’s enthusiasm for sharing God’s love with her community, TLC grew into a volunteer program supported by the W.E.L.C.O.M.E. Committee and Pastoral Care Team.

In the wake of societal shocks from the COVID pandemic, decline of the once ubiquitous fixed “home phone” number as the default method of communication and a growing bitter taste from the onslaught of robo-calling and phone scams, the phone-based TLC faded in its effectiveness. Other methods for outreach were formed, which introduced (then) newer email and social media channels, but these, by definition, were asynchronous and lacked the personal nature of a real-time human conversation.

Very recently, God provided the ingredients for a TLC revival, as appeals from Woods members to resume personal calls converged with a request for volunteer opportunities during the summer school break hiatus. Equipped with a Woods phone extension and a Realm member directory, our TLC volunteer has made more than 400 contacts, checked in with members, collected prayer requests, updated contact information, and shared Woods’ love for our worshiping community. There are hundreds of you on the list yet to be contacted, but please feel free to contact us first. You can call the church office at 410.647.2550 and ask for TCL’s extension 142, or send an email to TLC@woodschurch.org. We always look forward to talking with you.

We want you to know that you are loved. When you see Woods Church on your caller ID, please know that we are reaching out simply to check in and remind you that you are treasured—by God and by us.

Grace and peace to you and yours.

—Sarah Wilson, Interim Pastoral Associate

Church News

You’re Invited to Dinner Church

Join us Monday, July 13, in Fellowship Hall for our Dinner Church Experience! We’ll begin with a gathering time at 6PM, followed by Dinner Worship at 6:30PM, concluding around 7:30PM. (Please note the special timing this month.) This will be a family-friendly, multi-generational evening of food, faith, and fellowship in a comfortable, casual setting. We’ll gather around tables as dinner becomes part of the worship service, which will include singing, prayer, a message from one of our pastors, and an interactive reflection time. Come share in good worship, good food, and good community!

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 Ginnie Jensen’s 99th Birthday

All are invited to celebrate Ginnie 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

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!

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.

Children's News

Summer Sunday School is Doing a New Thing!

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

• July 12 – Traditional Sunday School class led by Ms. Marsha and Ms. Gale
• July 19 – Computers & Games
• 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)

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.

In Our Community

Woods Softball Game vs. St. Jane France / OLC

This Sunday, July 12, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against St. Jane Frances de Chantal / Our Lady of the Chesapeake at Cypress #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!