Messenger is here!

June 11, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• WoodsWork Carwash, June 13
• The Prince of Egypt Wins Fist Place at the Ruby Griffith Awards
• WCDC Placements
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Summer Activities for Kids
• New Adult Education Class
• Softball Game vs. College Parkway Baptist
• Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

There are two things that I want to talk about this week, focusing on some crucial moments related to congregational leadership in the next two weeks. The first is just an announcement, but an important one: as I mentioned in worship last Sunday, the Session has called a Congregational Meeting immediately following the worship service next Sunday, June 21, for the purpose of receiving and acting upon the report of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee!

This is the culmination of the hard work of the committee over more than a year, and they are unanimously delighted to be presenting this candidate as the nominee to be our new Associate Pastor. Details about the candidate will be sent out to the congregation next week in advance of the meeting.

The candidate will preach for us on Sunday, June 21, and then we will take up the motion to elect them as our next Associate Pastor in the Congregational Meeting that follows. The meeting will be livestreamed, but it is not clear at this time whether you would be able to vote remotely in the meeting.

Second, this Sunday, June 14, we will be ordaining new Elders and Deacons and installing them along with those previously ordained to a new term of office. We also will be installing our new Trustees, as we previously voted as a congregation to restore a separate Board of Trustees, accountable to the Session, and charged with managing the day-to-day operations of church finances and property on behalf of the Session. The service of ordination and/or installation is the culmination of literally months of conversation, prayer, discernment, and training for both those being ordained/installed and for the Congregational Nominating Committee which begins its work every fall in seeking out those whom God is calling to serve as leaders in this congregation.

As we prepare to ordain and install people this Sunday, I think it’s important to pause for a moment and remember what ordination means in the Presbyterian Church and what these offices, in particular, are charged to do.

In the Presbyterian Church, elected leadership is to service, not to status; people who are ordained are not any more important or holy or powerful than anybody else in the life of the church, they have simply been called to serve to particular service because of their gifts, skills, and personal ministries. And our ordination “hierarchy” is horizontal, not vertical; Ministers of Word and Sacrament are no more ordained than Deacons or Elders, they just fulfill a different function: preaching and teaching the Word and administering the sacraments. Similarly, Trustees are called because of their wisdom and skill at the work which Trustees conduct, but it is an office of service, and it is also an office of spiritual leadership. Trustees may not be ordained, but they are called to lead us in using the resources with which God has entrusted us faithfully and well in pursuing the mission of the church. That is very much a task of spiritual leadership!

So: be sure to offer your blessings and support to those being ordained and installed this Sunday, and your thanks to those who are completing terms on Session or the Board of Deacons, as we all continue to move forward into God’s greater calling to us as a congregation in the coming months.

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Get Your Car Clean & Support Our WoodsWork Youth

Our annual WoodsWork Carwash Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 13, 9AM–1PM! Come to the Woods Church parking lot to get your ride cleaned spotless, and support our WoodsWork Mission Trip in the process! See you there!

The Prince of Egypt Wins Fist Place at the Ruby Griffith Awards

We are excited to announce that our production of The Prince of Egypt won First Place, Outstanding Achievement in a Musical, at the Ruby Griffith Awards.

The Ruby Griffith awards are designed to elevate the quality of local community theatre in the Baltimore/Washington area and reward excellence and outstanding achievement. Woods strives to produce art that glorifies God and has a positive impact in our community. Winning this award is a true honor.

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!

WCDC Placements

Woods Child Development Center has Tuesday & Thursday placements in the Part Day 2, Part Day 4, and Full Day 4 year old programs. Contact us to schedule a tour or to get more information. Join us as we explore our world with wonder and whimsy.

For more information, please email Roxann Bartone at rbartone@woodscdc.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.

Children's News

Summer Day Camps for Kids

This year, Woods will be offering more than one camp. You will select which camps your child(ren) would like to attend from the additional items selection. Please remember to print out the the attached below form(s) for the camp(s) you will be attending.

Register online and keep reading for more information on the programs that are available.

Art & the Bible

I Am Who I Am: God in Scripture and the Arts

From Monday–Friday July 6–10, children in K–grade 5 will participate in an innovative approach to Bible study to explore biblical images and names of God through the Bible, paired with their creativity and artistic expression. An Art Reception will take place Friday at 2:30PM, sharing the children's work with their friends and family.

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by the Center for Excellence in Christian Education, Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Vacation Bible Study Day Camp

Be Strong and Courageous | Joshua 1:9

This year’s VBS program will take place Monday–Friday, July 13–17. Children in grades K–grade 5 will learn how God helps us to be strong and courageous. How does God encourage us? How is God with us? We will explore the sights, sounds, feels, and joys of Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” What does this look like in our community, in our times?

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by Kat Green, national spokesperson for children and Biblical Literacy and Director of Children's Ministry at Woods Church.

VBS Express

During VBS week, kids 2 years old through grade 5 are welcome to join us at VBS Express from 4–6 pm. It’ll be all aboard to travel through Bible stories with songs, movement, art, and fun! You’ve got wings!

The cost is $50/child with a $100 family max. VBS Day Camp registration includes participation in VBS Express. No meal will be served, but a snack will be provided to all participants.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class

Pastor JC Austin is leading a four-week Adult Education class, titled 250 Years of Christianity and Democracy in the United States. Sessions will be held on Sundays through June 28, 11AM, in Room 208 and via Zoom. The class will be recorded for future viewing on demand. JC will explore some of the main ways that Christianity has engaged in the democratic society in the U.S. from different historical/social contexts, from our founding to the present day.

We will meet in Room 208 and on Zoom.

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. College Parkway Baptist

This Sunday, June 14, 3:30PM, Woods Church takes the field against College Park Baptist Church 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

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

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!