Messenger | May 22, 2024

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Closed on Memorial Day
• Summer Worship Schedule Begins June 9
• Commissioning Our New Stephen Ministers
• We’re Looking for an Accountant
• WoodsWork Car Wash
• Register for VBS
• Rutter and Friends Spring Concert

Pastor's Message

At Woods Church, all around us, we are surrounded by "green" and new life: the carefully tended environment and nature's guests that are arriving and being birthed; ongoing renovations in the facility; new members and visitors attending worship and programs; and plans being made for relevant offerings and classes in the fall. All of these point to new life for Woods.

While we anticipate growth, we acknowledge the reality of challenge and decay around us as well. As our community encounters situations of disappointment and loss, we must be confident in our ability to overcome and mature in place. We may learn from the green around us and the faith inside of us to find healing and hope. Suzanne Simard (Finding the Mother Tree) writes, "There is necessary wisdom in the give-and-take of nature—its quiet agreements and search for balance."

At Woods, we are intentionally cultivating "give and take" with our community while we plant seeds of the love and promise of Jesus Christ.

May God's ordinary peace be with us all.

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

Stewardship Update

Join our Clouds of Witnesses this Stewardship season! We are now almost 60% of the way to our goal. Please make your pledge online at woodschurch.org or fill out a pledge card in the front office. We will give a new update each Sunday.

Closed on Memorial Day

As a reminder, Woods Church will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.

Summer Worship Schedule

On Sunday, June 9, we will launch single-service on Sundays, 9:30AM, throughout the summer. It also initiates Second Sunday Fellowship following worship. Please join us in Fellowship Hall for food and special activities hosted by our various ministries—there will be fun for all!

Our first Second Sunday Fellowship will be on June 9 and will feature cotton candy to commemorate our Clouds of Witnesses! Other dates are July 14, August 10, and Kick-Off Sunday on September 8!

Commissioning Our New Stephen Ministers

We will be holding a special ceremony during worship on Sunday, June 9, 9:30AM, to commission five new Stephen Ministers: Phyllis Beardmore, the Rev. John Benson, Randy Fisher, and Beth & Bill Hadley. We encourage everyone to attend and to welcome these Stephen Ministers into service.

These five Stephen Ministers also will be recognized in a graduation ceremony in church at 11:30AM, in recognition of their successful completion of 50 hours of training.

We're Looking for an Accountant

Woods Church is looking to hire an accountant—someone to maintain the various church funds and accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the church’s Financial Policies & Procedures Manual. This is a benefit eligible, 40-hour per week position. Knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office applications required.

If you’re interested in this position, please contact John McLaughlin at 410.647.2550 x335 or jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.

Mission News

New Art Exhibit

Stop by the Gallery to view a new art exhibit, titled We Partner with Others, Near and Far, to Share Christ’s Love with All, and enjoy photos of Woods’ mission partners from around the world.

The Mission Ministry works to offer immediate assistance, long-term development, love, and encouragement to all, as well as to advocate for justice and speak out against the exploitation of “the least of these.” We are a missional, servant church, and through the Missions Ministry, we strive to inspire, equip, and connect the congregation of Woods Church to go into the world and serve as the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in accordance with his teachings. The ministry is responsible for allocation and oversight of 11% of the total contributions received at Woods, which are designated for Mission Outreach.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class: Wrestling with Doubt

Woods is offering a new Adult Education class on Sundays through June 23, 11AM, in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom, featuring Wrestling with Doubt: Finding Faith, by Pastor Adam Hamilton.

Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a Heaven? How can we know? Often, we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God.

Study books are available on the office credenza.

Youth News

WoodsWork Car Wash

We are excited to share that 81 amazing youth are participating in our WoodsWork house-building mission trip to Roanoke, Virginia.

Would you like to help? Then come get your car washed and support an amazing cause in the process on Saturday, June 1, 9AM–2PM, in the church parking lot. See you there!

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday School Summer Break

All youth in grades 6–12 are welcome to join us on Sunday, June 2, for our last day of Sunday School before we take a summer break. We’ll celebrate with ice cream sundaes! Hope to see you there!

Youth Beach Party

On Sunday, June 9, 4PM, youth in grades 6–12 are invited to celebrate our fabulous year and the beginning of summer—with a Beach Party at Pines Beach Pavilion!

Any questions? Contact our Youth Director, Oliver, for more details at opage@woodschurch.org.

Children's News

Register for Vacation Bible School

VBS 2024 will be held July 15–18, 4–7PM, for all children 3-years-old to 5th grade. Come explore how Jesus practices justice, model’s kindness, and walks humbly with God. Children will explore lessons on mercy, compassion, generosity, and encouragement through songs, art, gardening, and story time.

The cost is $50 per child with a maximum of $100 per family. Dinner is included for registrants. Register online using the button below.

Join the VBS Supper Club!

Friends and family are invited to join us for dinner, Bible stories, and fun July 15–18, 6:30PM! Tickets are available on the Children’s Ministry website or by calling the church office.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home about Pentecost! Holy Spirit baptism gives us the church! It's not a building; it is the people of God being able to tell EVERYONE about the wonder and works of Jesus' life! The disciples went into a room while they were waiting for a gift. They left the room bubbling over with words that called people to come back to God and to begin a life following the example of Jesus Christ. They were able to use words so that EVERYONE could understand the good news.

That reminds me of a book about the importance of words. Words are a gift from God. I wonder, how many times we think about what we will say, and how someone else will hear it? Sandy Sasso 's book When God Gave Us Words, reminds us that words can be wonderful and silly and lovely. Words can also be hurtful and harm others.

I wonder what are your favorite words to say or to hear? I wonder how you will use words this week? Will you use them to tell other people that God loves them?

Let’s Pray in May!

Families of all sizes are invited to Pray in May! Children will receive a Pray in May cloud-path. Each day has a prayerful activity or topic. There are biblical citations for those families that want to add a bit of scripture to the practice. Maybe this is a nice breakfast buddy to start your day off? Additional copies are available upon request.

Music News

Rutter and Friends Spring Concert

If you enjoy choral and instrumental music, then join us for our Rutter and Friends Spring Concert on Saturday, June 8, 7PM! The adult choir, SEEK Band, and children’s choir with a full orchestra will present works of John Rutter and composers who influenced him such as Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, and even The Beatles. Rutter’s music is eclectic with influences of French and English choral traditions, and American classical songwriting.

It’s a concert for the ages—and it’s free! Come, be our friend, and enjoy this end-of-the year-concert! For more information, please email Dave Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

A Moment of Prayer

Remembering Memorial Day

Lord God, until you beat swords into plowshares and the ox and lamb lie down together, we will remember. We will remember that peace doesn’t happen without peacemakers and violence won’t cease unless we stand in the breach and begin to repair it. We will remember that war is costly, the price paid in priceless lives cut short.

Lord God, until the Prince of Peace returns and death and crying are no more, we will remember. We will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. We will support those left bereft in their absence. We will remember to seek reconciliation, knowing that while we cannot control the ways of the world, we can seek to work for peace in our own lives and communities.

Lord God, until there is no need for men and women to place themselves in harm’s way, we will remember and give thanks for those who did and died.

In the name of the One who grants us the peace that passes understanding, we pray. Amen.

(from The Presbyterian Outlook)