Messenger | March 12, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Lenten Reflection Series
• St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
• Service of Wholeness
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• New Lenten Study: Remember
• New Adult Class on Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• WoodsWork 2025
• Get Ready for VBS!
  

Pastor's Message

In my sermon last Sunday, I mentioned some of the “false stories” that we are tempted to tell or share with others that seem compelling in some way, and are often well-intended, but actually lead us away from the gospel rather than further into it. I wanted to follow up briefly on that in my pastor’s message this week. These stories are often told in times of grief or personal crisis of one kind or another: the unexpected diagnosis of a serious illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, etc. For some reason, we are often tempted to think that we need to say something to that person that will help them make sense of why this is happening to them and feel better as a result, even if we “don’t know what to say.”

When we do that, we can say things that end up sounding trite, or offensive, or hurtful to the person we care about. At our best, that’s because we really care about the person and want to do something to lessen their pain or even make it go away. But sometimes it’s partially because their pain makes us uncomfortable ourselves, so we try to come up with something that will help us contain it safely in a box and put it up on a shelf. So, to avoid that problem, here’s some advice on what we can do instead that will be more helpful.

First, let’s never try to “Godsplain” someone’s pain away. If you find yourself tempted to say anything that might sound like you’re explaining why God is doing something terrible to someone, then stop. God doesn’t do terrible things to people; not as punishment, and certainly not as some kind of life lesson or character-building. God offers love and grace and mercy and comfort; in Jesus Christ God even suffers death in order to break its power over us and give us abundant and eternal life. God does not cause pain and suffering. That doesn’t mean that people can’t learn something profound from pain or suffering, or that good can’t come out of it. There is nothing so bad that God cannot bring good out of it. But that is not at all the same thing as saying that God is intentionally doing something awful to them. “Everything happens for a reason” and “God never gives us more than we can handle” are both particularly common and damaging examples of this kind of mistake.

So what should we say? If you really need to say something, you can try: “You’re not alone; I’m right here with you.” “God loves you and so do I” is simple and to the point if you want something more theological. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you; what can I do to help?” is always good. But instead of simply asking for something you can do to help, try offering it. The best kind of help to offer depends some on how close your relationship is. Anybody can prepare a meal for someone, for example. If you have a closer connection, offer to do laundry or go grocery shopping or clean the house or watch the kids. If you’re even closer to them, offer to accompany them to chemotherapy, or drive them to the funeral home, or bring them home from the hospital. But above all, keep checking in with them: in person, with notes, by text, whatever will let them know that they’re on your mind and in your heart. Feeling isolated in the midst of a crisis is one of the hardest dimensions of it.

These sorts of tangible actions are what we often call a “ministry of presence,” and it is far more powerful and faithful than anything you could possibly say. When it comes to words, the best-case scenario is that you will say something inoffensive that they probably won’t remember. But if you are authentically present to someone, actually embodying God’s love and mercy in their time of great need, they will always, always remember that you were there when the world was crashing down around them. Just as God always is.

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.

Temptations

Thursday, March 13, 6PM, in the Founders Room

Community Gathers for Understanding

Thursday, March 20, 6PM, in the Founders Room

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

Thursday, April 10, 6PM, in the Sanctuary



St. Patrick’s Day Dinner This Friday

The Deacons of Woods Church invite you to a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Dinner with great food, laughter, and fellowship. Wear your green and bring your appetite—we can’t wait to entertain you with story time and fun activities for our children, bag piper and kilt demonstration, dancing, music, sing-a-longs, and more!

Service of Wholeness

Woods will host a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, March 19, 6:15PM. Services of Wholeness with pastors and elders are small, intimate, deeply spiritual gatherings of prayer and the laying on of hands. They offer reassurance to those experiencing grief, illness, loss, or other physical/emotional concerns. The services also provide a special time to lift prayers of gratitude to God for blessings received.

Please RSVP to Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

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.

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.

Mission News

Adult Mission Trip to Richmond

We are looking for 10+ participants for a mission trip to Richmond, Virginia, to work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate, Monday–Saturday, April 28–May 3.



Education & Small Groups

New Lenten Study: Remember

Adult Education is offering a Lenten study on Sundays, March 9–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.

New Adult Class on Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Please join Adult Education for a six-part series, Sunday, March 9–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.

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.

Music Ministry

Let’s Raise Some Dough

Grab a slice! On Thursday, March 20, 4–9PM, part of the proceeds collected at Squisito's Pizza in the Magothy Gateway shops (147 Ritchie Hwy E, next to Harris Teeter) will support our Music Ministry! Please mention the “Wood Church Music Fundraiser” when placing your order.

For more information, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Church Family News

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

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.