Messenger | May 20, 2026
Messenger is here!
May 20, 2026
This week's release at a glance:
- Pastor’s Message
- New Members Class, May 31
- Anne Arundel Connecting Together Candidate Forum
- WCDC Placements
- A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
- Open Dance Classes
- Youth Group End-of-Year Party
- High School Bible Study
- New Adult Education Class: Moses
- Summer Activities for Kids
- Tech Volunteers Needed
- Lost & Found
Pastor's Message
This Sunday is Pentecost, the Christian holiday celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to Christ’s disciples, just as he promised would happen, and which effectively created the Christian church as a movement. It’s a dramatic story that takes place in the second chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament. It begins with the sentence, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” In other words, the original disciples of Jesus had gathered in the same place, which was notable because they had spent most of the time after the resurrection of Christ in different places, scattered about as some hid in fear of the authorities who had executed Jesus, while others tried to return to their ordinary lives from before they started following Jesus. But on this day, they had all gathered together, perhaps to celebrate Pentecost itself.
Pentecost is actually a word that got used by some Greek-speaking Jews to refer to the Jewish festival of Shavuot, which functioned as both a harvest festival and a celebration of the gift of the Law to Moses; Shavuot is still celebrated by Jews today for that very reason. In any case, while the disciples were gathered in one place, the Holy Spirit descended on them, and it appeared among them like “divided tongues, as of fire” and a tongue of fire rested on each of them. As a result, they began pouring out into the streets to preach the gospel, and the crowds were amazed as they could miraculously understand what the disciples were saying in each of their own native languages.
As we gather together on Sunday, then, I want to remind you that it is traditional to wear red on Pentecost as a sign of those “tongues of fire” that miraculously rested upon the disciples as a sign of the Holy Spirit. I hope you will make a point of attending and wearing something red to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit not only to the early church, but to us here at Woods in guiding and energizing us as a congregation. I look forward to being with you on Sunday and experiencing the Spirit moving in and through us!
Peace and blessings,
—Pastor JC
Church News
Join Our Faith Family
Interested in learning more about membership at Woods Church? Join us for our next Members Class on Sunday, May 31, 10:45AM, in the Founders Room. Those completing the class will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, June 14 at the 9:30AM service.
Anne Arundel Connecting Together Candidate Forum
Mark your calendars for May 21! ACT (Anne Arundel Connecting Together) has asked that Woods members be invited to the Candidate Forum on Thursday, May 21, 7–8:30PM, at Asbury Methodist Church, 87 West Street, Annapolis. It is our opportunity to hold candidates to their promises for making Anne Arundel County a better place to live for all. Come and show the candidates how important it is to you to get the right candidates into office in this year’s elections.
If you have questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact Beth Hadley, Julia Erickson, or Joan Tiernan. Click here to download a flyer.
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.
Our A Night on Broadway event for Saturday, May 23, is SOLD OUT!
Please contact Pam Ward at the Church Office at 410.647.2550 or pward@woodschurch.org to be put on our standby list to be notified if tickets become available.
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!
Open Dance Classes
Join our Worship Ministry for a series of free dance classes this spring! Professional teachers are offering a variety of dance styles, including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more!
Classes are open to anyone ages 12 and up in and outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes are taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.
Our first class is on Sunday, April 12, 2–3:15PM,in Fellowship Hall. Please note that there is no dance class on April 19.
For more information, please email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.
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.
Youth News
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 June 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
Adult Education is offering a new study Sundays, May 31–June 28, 11AM, featuring Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet.
We will explore the sites of Moses' life from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea and the wilderness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Rev. Adam Hamilton describes Moses who grew in his relationship with God and ultimately fulfilled the role he was given. Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you see the challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his life in powerful ways.
We will meet in Room 208 and on Zoom. Books will be in the Church Office.
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.
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!
