Messenger | March 26, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Lenten Reflection Series
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• A Night at the Opera
• SPAN is Celebrating 35 Years
• Lenten Study: Remember
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer Series
• Get Ready for VBS!
• Fifth Sunday Funday
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, if you’re in worship this coming Sunday or the next one, you’ll see a few changes to the Sanctuary décor. These are due to the upcoming annual Woods Church musical, which is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. So there will be some “stained glass” hanging in the chancel, there will be some equipment stored in the back of the Sanctuary, and most notably, the baptismal font will be moved to the Narthex from its customary position in the center of the Sanctuary, mostly in order to protect it from being bumped during setup and production of the musical. This seemed like a good opportunity to talk briefly about the significance of the Baptismal font in Christian worship spaces.

Basically, there are four traditional locations for a Baptismal font in ecumenical Christianity. The oldest is also probably the most common across the ecumenical Church and, ironically, is what we will have for just the next two weeks: locating it in the Narthex or entrance of the church. This is to symbolize that Baptism is our entry into Christian faith and discipleship; it is in Baptism that we are welcomed into the community of the church, and it is in Baptism that we receive our calling to ministry as followers of Jesus. In the Presbyterian tradition, some church members are ordained to particular ministries such as Deacons, Elders, or Ministers of Word and Sacrament, but we are all “ordained” to Christian ministry through our Baptism.

Another common location is in the crossing of the Chancel at the front of the Church; in fact, this is the most common location in Presbyterian churches. Part of the reason is practical: we insist that Baptism is an act of the church community, so the act of Baptism needs to happen in a way that all members can see and be a part of the sacrament. Theologically, though, it puts the Baptismal font in relationship to both the Communion table and the pulpit, symbolizing the interrelationship between Word and Sacrament as well as Baptism traditionally being the entry point to the sacrament of Communion.

The third location in some ways stands in opposition to the first two, because it is located in its own room apart from the Sanctuary, or even its own building. Traditionally, this separate facility is called a Baptistery; perhaps the most famous is in Florence, Italy, near the Roman Catholic Cathedral there, and it is renowned for its artistry, particularly its bronze doors. While they became very ornate, such as the one on Florence, they were originally created to allow for a pool big enough to facilitate the “full immersion of someone, providing enough space and water for the baptismal candidate to be lowered completely under the water by the officiant. This has never been common for Presbyterians, though, both because we don’t attach theological significance to a full immersion Baptism rather than sprinkling or pouring water, and because of our insistence that baptism be a communal act (most Baptisteries lack space for the whole congregation).

The final location is the least common, which is what we have at Woods: the Baptismal font at the very center of the Sanctuary. The reason it’s the least common is simply because of timing: it comes out of the “liturgical renewal” movement of the 1970s and 80s, when Protestants began reclaiming aspects of traditional worship that they had neglected or rejected in previous centuries as a means of distinguishing themselves further from Roman Catholics rather than for truly theological reasons. Central to that movement was re-centering the sacraments in the worship life of Protestant churches, and so churches that were built after that movement were often more creative in designing space for preaching, Communion, and Baptism. Here at Woods, the design of the “new” Sanctuary in the early 1990s allowed us to put the Baptismal font in the center of the Sanctuary, obviously symbolizing that Baptism is at the very center of our identity and our ministry as Christians. It also allows Baptism to be symbolically in the very midst of the congregation, highlighting the Presbyterian conviction that Baptism is an act of the whole church, not something private or something that is passively observed.

All of these options are faithful for Christians in general; for Presbyterians, the separate Baptistery creates some theological friction or tension, but the other three are all perfectly appropriate for our tradition. So as you pass by the Baptismal font in the Narthex the next two weeks, take advantage of this change to remember your Baptism as you enter the Sanctuary—as you enter the space for worship, take a moment to remember that you are claimed, loved, and called by God as one of God’s children and one of God’s ministers. Hope to see you in worship this week!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

New Lenten Reflection Series

As we strive for community in times of chaos we turn to biblical reflection and meditation. During Lent, join us for our Lenten Reflective Series: Finding Community in Chaos, to gather together focused on these Lenten themes.

Come to the Table

Thursday, March 27, 6PM, in the Founders Room

The Lost are Found

Thursday, April 3, 6PM, in the Founders Room

Community Reflections

Tuesday, April 8, 6PM, in the Sanctuary

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tickets on Sale Now

Woods Church will present The Hunchback of Notre Dame the weekends of March 28–30 & April 4–6.

What makes a monster and what makes a man? Step into the heart of Paris and experience the powerful tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This evocative musical, inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the acclaimed Disney animated film, brings to life the story of love, acceptance, and heroism set against the backdrop of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Join us as we follow Quasimodo, the gentle bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his journey to find acceptance and love in a world that shuns him. Alongside the courageous Esmeralda and the conflicted Claude Frollo, the story unfolds with themes of compassion, justice, the resilience of the human spirit, and finding your sanctuary.

Purchase tickets at www.woodstix.org. Questions? Email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

A Night at the Opera

Join us Saturday, May 10, for an enchanting evening of music and fine dining! Over a delicious spaghetti dinner, enjoy performances by talented opera singers: Soprano Kimberly Christie, Bass/Baritone Jason Buckwalter, Bass Shouvik Mondle, Alto Jennifer Cooper, and Tenor David Merrill as they serenade you with popular opera arias and classic musical theater songs.

Dinner Menu: Spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert

Doors Open: 5:30PM

️Dinner Begins: 6PM

Performance Starts: 6:30PM

️Tickets: $25

For questions, please email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

Dedicate a Lily in Honor or Memory of a Loved One

Every year, we decorate our Sanctuary with lovely lilies at Easter. The flowers are donated by members and friends to remember special people in their lives.

If you would like to dedicate a lily in memory or in honor of a loved one, the suggested donation is $25. Dedications will be accepted online through Tuesday, April 15, as well as in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, March 30, April 6, and April 13. Plants may be picked up after our 11AM Easter services.

Parents & Caregivers: Start Your Engines

On the way to Sunday School pick up during Lent, stop by the bench by the joke buttons at 10:30AM for a quick “3-Point Pit Stop! “Hear what the story of the week is and get three talking points to use throughout your week to Walk With Others.

Walk with Others Weaving Station

How are you walking with others, accompanying others, this Lenten season? Add a prayer, a ribbon, or a found object to the Weaving Station near Fellowship Hall. Weave our worship and our words and our walk together during Lent.

Mission News

SPAN is Celebrating 35 Years

Come celebrate SPAN’s 35th anniversary Birthday Fest on Saturday, April 5, 12–4PM, at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Rd. There will be live music, food trucks, ice cream, lawn games, prizes, and fun! There will be more information at our Missions table following the 9:30AM service on Sundays, March 23 & 25.

For more information on how you can help, visit spanhelps.org or email spanhelps@yahoo.com.

Education & Small Groups

Lenten Study: Remember

Adult Education is offering a Lenten study on Sundays through April 13, 11AM, featuring Remember by Rev. Susan Robb.

God’s covenants throughout the Old Testament show the character of God’s promises to the people of Israel. Rev. Robb discusses the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, followed by the new covenant established during the Last Supper. The Lenten story culminates with a look at the cross as another example of God’s promise for a new world.

Join us in the Office Conference Room or on Zoom.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Series

Please join Adult Education for a six-part series, Sunday through –April 13, on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The twentieth century produced many interesting and provocative theologians. Among the most influential is Dietrich Bonhoeffer of Germany. He lived concurrently with Adolf Hitler and was among Hitler's most insistent critics. He was imprisoned in January 1943 and hanged on April 8, 1945. In 1937 he wrote his most famous book, Discipleship, which has two central themes: Grace and Obedience.

Please join us as we take a look at this remarkable man and his understanding of theology. Classes will be led by Greg Hubert and held in Room 208 from 11AM–12PM. No registration is required.

Savvy Seniors...and Those Who Love Them

On Tuesday, April 15, 1–2:30PM, Jaelyn Swan of the Parkinson’s Foundation will be with us in Fellowship Hall to offer an overview of Parkinson’s disease, covering the basics of its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We’ll explore how Parkinson’s affects movement, cognition, and quality of life, as well as practical tips and resources to help individuals and their care partners navigate life with Parkinson’s.



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.

Youth News

WoodsWork 2025

WoodsWork 2025 is headed to Nelsonville, Ohio, this summer and all high school youth are invited! This house-building mission trip will be June 19–27, and registration is open now! Click the button below to sign up! For more information, download the flier!



Children's News

Get Ready for VBS!

Register today for Vacation Bible Study! This year’s program will be held July 14–17, 4–7PM, with dinner at 6:30PM.

Fifth Sunday Funday

The Mom Strong Group invites you to show your colors on our fifth Sunday in March. On March 30, will have a “Spring Sports Theme!” Children are invited to come to church dressed in the recreational best—dressed for their past-time of choice. How fun! Whether it is baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, equestrian...you get the picture. Uniforms or team colors are encouraged.

Let’s get to know each other a little better by seeing what we do for fun outside of church. We’ll save you a seat!

Church Family News

Introducing Jason Jackson

Woods Church is pleased to announce that we have a new Director of Operations. Please welcome Jason Jackson to his new role at Woods! Jason, his wife Karen, and their children Adam and Avery are active members of the congregation. Jason will be in the office beginning in April.



Woods Seeks Coordinator for Children’s and Youth Ministry

Woods is seeking a dedicated, organized individual to serve as Coordinator for our Children’s and Youth Ministry. This is a part-time job, 25 hours per week, with hours to include Sunday mornings.

The Coordinator will assist the Director of Children's Ministry as well as the Director of Youth Ministry in planning and implementing programs to engage the young people of Woods Church in their spiritual formation.

Click the button below to view the job description. Interested applicants should contact Kat Green at kgreen@woodschurch.org.

Support Our Bagel Ministry

In the 2025 new year, please consider supporting the Woods Bagel Ministry. The ministry offers bagels every Sunday after each service. You can honor or celebrate a person or special occasion of your choice. It is supported through your generosity and donations are $100. Your financial gift allows us to welcome all into fellowship.

To request a date, please email Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org or stop by after worship on any Sunday.



"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."—Matthew 18:20

In Our Community

Langton Green Produce Baskets

Langton Green, one of our mission partners, is an Anne Arundel County–based residential community that supports neurodivergent adults. They are offering produce baskets from June–October. For more information, see the attached flyer

A Moment of Prayer

Loving and all present God, we are thankful that you see the big picture of our world and our lives. We know that you have plans for each one of us and we pray that we may know them and follow faithfully where you lead us. Let us reflect your love in Christ in all that we are and all that we do.

Amen.