Messenger | June 28, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

Pastor’s Message

Update on Pastor Randy

WoodsWork Updates

Sing in the Family Summer Choir

Fourth of July

Youth Summer Gatherings

New Bible Basics Class

New Faith Connection Group

Pastor's Message

Dear friends and family of Woods Church,

For some time now, we have been emphasizing the importance of "belonging" here at Woods and welcoming others as they "come home to Woods." This invitation reminds us that we are all a part of God’s family and that, as such, we are invited to participate in the life of the church—not simply to observe and watch what goes on.

And there is certainly much that goes on here! Once again (post-pandemic) Woods is vital and active as life breaks through the formerly unrelenting ground of COVID restrictions and blossoms into regular worship, group gatherings, and energized activities. This week, Vacation Bible School is in full swing, WoodsWork is underway in South Carolina, and committees are planning for Kick-Off Sunday (September 10) and the annual Christmas Bazaar in November.

Belonging is such a critical aspect of life…an essential need in order to thrive. It means that we are engaged in mutual relationships with others where we are cared for and care in return. Being able to claim a group to which one belongs as a place of refuge and gratitude allows us to flourish as individuals and families. When the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans that in Christ, we form one body and every member belongs to all the others, he is affirming God’s intention for us in Creation…past, present and future.

This is Woods: a place to belong…a place where you belong!

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nancy



Update on Pastor Randy

Pastor Randy’s surgery went well yesterday! Thank you for all your support and ongoing prayers over the next few weeks.

Church News

Fourth of July Reminder & Office Closure

As we anticipate the Fourth of July next week, please remember that we take seriously the words in our nations Pledge of Allegiance: “one nation under God.” In its own way, this is yet another statement of belonging…we all belong to God.

As a reminder, the church offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. If you have any pastoral care needs, please call our emergency service at 410.647.2550.

Fourth of July Parade

Would you like to walk with Woods Church for the Severna Park Fourth of July Parade, 10AM–12PM. Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Contact Sarah Kent in the church office for more details.

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.

WoodsWork Updates

Our WoodsWork youth are in Hartsville, South Carolina, working with Habitat for Humanity. Click the button below to see photos from their mission trip. They'll return on Friday, June 30.

Sing in the Family Summer Choir

Come and sing with our Family Summer Choir on any of these Sundays: July 2, 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.

Finance Update

June is the last month in our fiscal year, an important time to complete any annual pledge commitments.

If you have questions about your giving status or want to submit a pledge for the 2023–2024 fiscal year, call the church office or email our Finance Coordinator Ada Sell.

Also, any funds donated to our Special Offering for June go to support our church's Flower Ministry.

Ministry Announcements

VBS Supper Club

VBS—it’s what’s for dinner! Join your church family for dinner through Thursday, June 29, 6:15–7PM. You will get to see the "day's doings" from VBS. Please sign up for dinner with Kat or Frances in Fellowship Hall on Sunday. Let us be called children of God!

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!

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's take a moment to reflect on the lessons that Ms. Kat shared with us during this past Sunday's worship service and continue the conversation at home!

How can we be a part of something bigger than ourselves?

We learned that by opening our hearts, we can allow love to connect us to something bigger than ourselves. For great children’s books on this subject, check out The Invisible String and The Invisible Web by Patricia Karst; and Last Stop On Market Street by Matt De La Peña.

New Bible Basics Class Starts July 2

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.

No prior experience in Bible study is assumed; come with what you know and explore what you are not sure about.

Classes begin on Sunday, July 2, 11AM, in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom (Meeting ID: 818 4983 5186 | Passcode: 551274).

New Faith Connection Group Starting July 2

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)

Time: 11AM - noon

Beginning: Sunday, July 2, bi-weekly

POC: Reach out to charitymatta@gmail.com.

Childcare is available.

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

There will be no game this weekend. 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.

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.