Messenger | November 1, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• All Saints’ Day Service
• Daylight Savings Time Ends
• Senior Fellowship Dinner
• Youth Picnic Table Build
• Continue the Conversation at Home
• New Adult Ed Class
• The Holiday Bazaar is Right Around the Corner
• The Secret Garden Auditions
  

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

All the books in the New Testament were composed within a period of about 60 years, with the earliest one of them being Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. It is a short epistle of only five chapters written around 50 CE (or about 17 years after the death and resurrection of Christ). I especially like the end of the letter because it contains a very helpful "laundry list" of Christian virtues.

Beloved, admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them; repay no one evil for evil, but do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances and hold fast to what is good...And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

It is good to remember that the earliest Christians shared stories about Jesus all the time. They retold his parables and passed along descriptions of his life, death and resurrection. But even more than this, they constantly encouraged each other to live lives that showed the love of God to others. For example, they showed hospitality to strangers and shared their resources with those in need. And, as in the words from I Thessalonians, they encouraged the faint hearted, helped the weak, and repaid no one evil for evil.

From the very beginning, Christianity was a faith lived out visibly and lovingly, so that others would see what a difference it made to be a follower of Christ. What was true in 50 CE is still true in 2023 CE. So let us go forth to love and serve our God!

Peace in Christ,

Randy Bush

Church News

All Saints Service

In honor of All Saints’ Day, and to allow for enough time to honor those who have gone before us, we will have only one service on Sunday, November 5, at 9:30AM. We will continue to celebrate our saints in Fellowship Hall with their banner displays immediately following worship, and hope you can join us as family and friends gather to talk about the legacies of our saints.

We also will celebrate the family of members (nonmembers) by displaying their names on a slide during the service. If you had a family member who passed between the dates of October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and would like to see your loved one’s name recognized, please send their name to Maureen Adams at madams@woodschurch.org.

It's Time to Fall Back

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5. Remember to set your clocks back by one hour, and we’ll see you for worship!

Senior Fellowship Dinner

All senior members and friends of Woods, ages 65 and over, and their guest, are invited to the Deacons annual Fall Fellowship Dinner on Friday, November 10, 5:30–7:30PM, in Fellowship Hall. We will serve appetizers, dinner, and desserts. Our theme is Oldies but Goodies, remembering songs from your favorite eras. Feel free to dress reflecting your favorite era!

Recognizing Our Woods Rehab Volunteers

Come celebrate with us the amazing 30-year legacy of our Woods Rehab volunteers! For three decades, these men (and women) have helped keep our building and grounds looking their best. Starting around the time of the construction of the current church sanctuary, these retired workers have generously given their time and skills to support our church's many ministries. Join with us on Sunday, November 12, during our 9:30AM worship service as we say "Well done, good and faithful servants" to our Rehab group.



Service of Healing & Wholeness

There will be a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, November 15, 6:45PM, in the Sanctuary. This is a deeply spiritual service of prayer, laying on of hands and anointing by our pastors and elders for those experiencing emotional or physical concerns. If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

New Members Class

Are you interested in joining our faith family? Our next New Members Class will be held on Sunday, November 12, 11AM, in Founders Room. Please contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org for more information.

We’re Looking for a Kitchen Coordinator

Woods Church is seeking a kitchen coordinator who will assist with food ordering, preparation, and serving meals for the Child Development Center and church events. This is an hourly, full-time position and the person is eligible for Woods health insurance coverage.

To apply, submit information to John McLaughlin, director of operations, by emailing jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.

Nominating Committee Invitation to All Members

Check out this new work of watercolor art created by Michelle Nelson Love!

Youth & Children's Ministries

No Youth Sunday School This Week

There will be NO High School or Middle School Sunday School this Sunday, November 5, due to it being All Saints’ Day. Instead, we are looking for youth to help carry banners in the service. It's an easy and exciting way to get involved with worship, so meet Oliver outside Zimmerman at 9:15AM to participate!



Youth Picnic Table Build

The Youth and Missions Ministries have teamed up to sponsor our annual picnic table build for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, which will be held on Saturday, November 11. The tables will be given to local Habitat families. This is open to everyone and will be led by our high school youth with support from the high school advisors and members of the Missions Ministry. Any youth younger than grade 6 must be accompanies by a parent or guardian. No skill level is required! All work will be performed between 9AM–3PM. You may come at any time to help and you can leave when you need to.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Ed Class

A new Adult Education class will begin on Sunday, October 29, 11AM, and run through November 19. The class will be based on Why? Making Sense of God’s Will by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Books are on the office credenza.

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when waters rise, washing away a community's hopes; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears nations apart, where is God? If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is beloved, then how can there be tragedy and suffering?

Explore these questions in the office conference room or on Zoom. (Meeting ID: 881 9040 2550 | Passcode: 670798)

Music News

The Secret Garden Auditions

Mark your calendars for The Secret Garden auditions, November 5–6. This enchanting literary classic is reimagined in brilliant musical style. A compelling tale of forgiveness, belonging, and renewal. The Secret Garden won three Tony Awards® and three Drama Desk Awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1991.

Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life.

Cast Details: Approximately 25 actors. We are looking for a cast of all ages, shapes, sizes, races, and gender identities. For more information, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Opus 2: An Evening of Debuts

Join us on Saturday, November 11, 7PM, for Opus 2: An Evening of Debuts! The evening will feature newly composed works by local composers and performances by some beloved musicians! More information to come.

This is a free concert with all donations going to support our Woods Church music department. Come and experience these premiere performances and compositions! This event also will be livestreamed.

For more info email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.



Gloria Deo! A Very Cello Christmas Concert

Come join us on Saturday, December 2, 7PM, as we celebrate the start of the Christmas season! This special program will feature a professional cello octet and a small orchestra from the D.C./Baltimore area. In addition, we’ll have our Adult Choir, Praise Team, Seek Singers, Children’s Choir and our incredible dancers with choreography by Elysia Merrill. It’s a perfect way to begin your Christmas!

This concert is free but a ticket is required at www.woodstix.org. For more information, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Messiah Sing-Along/Play-Along

On Saturday, December 16, 3PM, we will sing Part I of the Messiah. No experience needed! Come and lend your voice, or come and enjoy in this beautiful music. The evening will be led by soloists from the D.C./Baltimore Area, a string quartet, and Roderick Demmings, Jr. on the organ and harpsichord. Have little ones? Come and play along to the music using fun costumes and activities with Kat Green and the Children’s Ministry.

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

Missions News

Holiday Greens Workshop

The Woods’ flower committee will be holding a holiday greens workshop on Thursday, November 16, 5:30–7:30PM, in Room 208.. Prepare holiday table designs for you—and to sell at the bazaar. Seats are limited to 24 people with a fee of $25 per person. Materials will be supplied, but be sure to bring a garden cutter (clippers) and any special evergreens you want in your design. Register online

The Holiday Bazaar is Right Around the Corner

We are getting very close to the BIG day. We hope you are saving the date, Saturday, November 18, and will be there anytime between 9AM and 1PM. Lunch will be available for purchase. This year, we are having a "Holiday Fun" Raffle. Stop at the Welcome desk on your way in to purchase your raffle tickets. Tickets are $1; 6 tickets for $5. You will find a basket full of goodies like games, dishes, music, decorations, cards, cookbooks, and surprises. The winner will be announced at the Bazaar, but you do not have to be present to win.

Also, you will want to stop by the Silent Auction in Fellowship Hall. Special items will be there to bid on, such as a brand new firepit, a homemade quilt, and other items that are of high quality. All winners will be announced before the Bazaar closes.

There also will be furniture items, such as end tables, lamps, pictures, etc. The Furniture Station is focusing on items that you are able to take home in your car with help from our volunteers.

Finally, do you have leftover Halloween candy? Bring it to the church office. We will be selling it at the Secret Santa Shop!

Place Your Holiday Nut Order

Fall has arrived and it’s time to place your holiday nut orders. Don’t miss out on trying this year’s new nut, Pumpkin Spice Pecans or any of your favorites. Just download the order form or pick one up at the welcome desk and return it to Woods Church by mail or bring it by the office with your check made out to Woods Church and “nut order” on the memo line. The pick up schedule for the nuts is listed on the order form.

Save the Date for Winter Relief

Winter Relief is coming January 22 – 29, 2024. Sign-ups begin December 17, 9AM. At that time, you will be able to sign up to help after each service in Fellowship Hall or on the Church website. There are opportunities for meal prep, brown bag lunch prep, evening and overnight chaperones, drivers, shower escorts, Stephens Ministers, laundry support, youth volunteers, and snack donations.

Please help us help the homeless. If you want more information about Winter Relief and how you can help, please contact Scott Wiley at 410.353.1491 or email wilecoy2us@gmail.com.

In Our Community

Let's Raise Some Dough

On Wednesday, October 25, 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 go to support the Woods Church music program!

Congregational Prayer

Loving God, you not only welcome us, you receive us into yourself. Give us courage to be so open to others, to let them become so dear to us, that we might share not only your gospel but also our lives, through Christ, who makes room for us all.

Amen.