Messenger | November 6, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• This Week’s Message
• Advent & Christmas Art Exhibit
• Woods Church Holiday Bazaar
• Place Your Holiday Nut Order
• Home Bound Communion on December 1
• Season of Giving
• New Adult Education Class: Making Room
• Save a Seat at the Advent Tables
• Baroque by Candlelight Christmas Concert
• On the Ground in Sancti Spíritus
• Funeral Service for Earl Dewees

Pastor's Message

This coming Sunday is a very special one, because our middle and high school youth will be leading both worship services! This will be my first Youth Sunday at Woods Church, and I couldn't be more excited to see our youth step up as leaders and share their faith with our greater Woods community.

We are lucky, at Woods, to have a thriving Youth Program full of bright and faithful young people that have a lot to say about love, community, and justice. They have spent much of this fall rehearsing music, studying scripture, and writing prayers—all for this coming Sunday.

One of the most important things we can do as a church is to provide a platform and nurture the voices of young people. As a youth leader, I have often heard that, “Youth are the future of the church.” I’d like to challenge that. Youth ARE the church. Youth are the church here and now.

Our young people see the conflict, tension, and confusion in the world today with a critical optimism that often gets dismissed. One of our goals as Woods’ Youth Ministry is to create spaces where their voices are heard, celebrated, and amplified. Leading worship is one of the most constructive ways to do just that.

This week, the Youth Group, Youth Sunday School, SEEK Band, Confirmation, and WoodsWork programs are all coming together to share a message about how to be a Christ-like member of your community, as laid out by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:13–18. Please join us at our 9:30AM or 11AM services on Sunday to support Woods Youth.

Have a great week!

Peace,

Oliver Page

Director of Youth Ministry

Church News

Advent & Christmas Art Exhibit

Calling All Artists! The Gallery at Woods is having their Annual Advent and Christmas Exhibit on Monday, November 18. Register your artwork for this exhibit by November 11 by providing your name, art title, and contact information to Jenny Henry, jennyhenry1188@comcast.net or Pam Ward, pward@woodschurch.org.

Your artwork must be framed and ready to hang (wire on back). There is a three-piece limit. Artwork will be dropped off in the office conference room from November 11–15, between 9AM–4PM. For more information on this exhibit email Pam Ward or call 443.261.2363.

Woods Holiday Bazaar Sneak Peek

Save the date, Saturday, November 23, 9AM–1PM, for the Woods Holiday Bazaar, along with our Bazaar Sampler Basket Raffle and our Silent Auction.

We are getting very close to the BIG day. This year, we are having a raffle to win a basket full of the best things from the Bazaar. Stop at the Welcome desk on your way in. Tickets are $1; 6 for $5. You do not need to be present to win.

Also, be sure to check out the Silent Auction items in Fellowship Hall. Highlighted items up for auction include baskets of gift cards and a cool Mint 1994 Lionel electric train! Bid boldly so you don’t miss out on winning. Bidding ends and all winners will be announced before the bazaar closes.

And remember, 100% of the proceeds support our church’s many Mission activities.

Questions?

Email Ruth Dunham at Ruthdunham47@gmail.com or Pat Johnson at paj10041949@gmail.com with any questions.

Consider Volunteering

If you’re able to help setup for a few hours during the week, especially on Friday, contact Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com or Beth Hadley at bbhadley@gmail.com.

Place Your Holiday Nut Order

Fall has arrived and it’s time to place your holiday nut orders. Order all your favorites now for pickup later. Just download the order form from our website or pick one up at the welcome desk and return it to the Woods Church office with your check made out to “Woods Church” and nut order on the memo line. Pick-up schedule for nuts is listed on the order form.

Questions? Contact Kay Mitchell at kateem936@hotmail.com or 410.757.7103.

Homebound Communion

Woods Church will offer Homebound Communion on Sunday, December 1.

If you would like to be included or know of anyone in the congregation who would like to have communion brought to their home, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

Season of Giving

‘Tis the Season to Give at Woods! While you are Christmas shopping, share the love of Christ and buy Christmas gifts that will change the lives of people who are the heart of God, while warming the hearts of those on your gift list. Help us spread the holiday joy in more ways than one starting this Sunday, November 17, in Fellowship Hall!

Sponsor Local Children from SPAN

This year, we hope to assist 35 children from 1–18 years old to have a few gifts to open Christmas morning. If you’re willing and able to help, please consider buying toys, clothing, or a gift card for local children referred to us by SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods).

Cards will be available for pick up in Fellowship Hall starting Sunday, November 17. Gifts are due back no later than Sunday, December 8, 12PM.

Gift a Laundry Basket of Household Necessities

Typically, the residents at Pinewood Village have a difficult choice to make during the holidays—a gift for their loved ones or the basic necessities for a comfortable life. While there are many programs that support their rent and utilities, we feel called to provide the 60 residents with these necessities during the Christmas season.

On Sundays throughout Advent, our youth will have a sign-up table set up for our congregation members to donate a laundry basket filled with these household necessities. Baskets are due by Sunday, December 8.

Then on Saturday, December 14, 12–2PM, our Confirmation Class will deliver the baskets to the residents at Pinewood Village, a subsidized apartment complex for elderly members of the Glen Burnie community.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class

Join us on Sundays, November 24–December 15, 11AM, for a new Adult Education book study featuring Making Room by Dr. Ed Robb.

Often, our Advent preparations have an inward focus as we prepare for the significance of God breaking into our world through the birth of Jesus. But in a closer examination of Advent, we quickly learn that the focus of the newborn king is outward. In his book, Dr. Robb explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. Just as Jesus made room in God’s kingdom for marginalized people, we too should be asking ourselves who we can invite at Christmas. The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to increase our sense of community and make room for others.

Books are on the office credenza. We’ll meet in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom.

Savvy Seniors & Those Who Love Them

The word “hospice” is often associated with fear and sadness, but the wide variety of programs available through hospice provide far more than care for the dying. All seniors and those who love them are invited to join us for a discussion in Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, November 19, 1-2:30 PM.

Designed to support patients and their loved ones as they navigate end-of-life transitions with honesty and dignity, hospice services nurture body and spirit to foster the best possible quality of life. Come learn about what hospice is and how it can help you and your family—be informed of options long before a crisis occurs. Understand what palliative care means, how it differs from hospice care, and how multi-disciplinary care providers lift up patients and families throughout their journey.

Hospice of the Chesapeake partners with Woods Church through our Continuity of Care Program and Pastoral Care Team.

Children's News

We will Save You a Seat at the Advent Tables!

We are getting ready for Advent and the countdown to Christmas! Join your Woods Church family to gather, build, trace, and track your way to December 25. Between and after services on Sunday, November 17, we will help you “Set the faith table at home” for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Drop by Fellowship Hall and get the goods.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from Sunday. We had a wonderful Sunday. There was a baptism! We got to meet a new brother in our church family. We promised to help him learn about God and to help him if he loses his way.

One way we can help each other is to be there for each other. Big feelings happen. Heidi Rojas writes wonderful music. Her song, “The Feelings Song,” asks listeners to "talk about it. So it doesn't site alone in your heart.”



You know, sharing big feelings with friends, family members, and God can help us remember that we are not alone, we are loved, and we are enough. I hope you will listen to her, and if you have big feelings, "Let's talk about it..."

Save the Date for VBS!

Vacation Bible Study for children of all ages will be held at Woods Church, July 14–17, 2025. Mark your calendars for stories, fun, fellowship, and service. ALL are welcome! Invite your friends, neighbors, schoolmates, cousins—everybody!

Music News

Baroque by Candlelight Christmas Concert

On Saturday, December 7, 7PM, come and join the Woods Adult Choir and a professional orchestra as we perform Christmas music from the Baroque and Renaissance eras, surrounded by candlelight. With works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Schütz, Buxtehude, Rutter—and some standard Christmas favorites—it will be a perfect beginning to your Christmas season!

This concert is free and no ticket is required, but a love offering will be collected to support the Woods Music Department. You can catch the livestream at woodschurch.org (click “Livestream”).

Email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org with any questions.

Mission News

Picnic Table Build

Our Youth and Mission Ministries will be holding our Annual Picnic Table Build on Saturday, November 16, 9AM–3PM. Help out as your time permits. No skill Level is required! Tools—and lunch—will be provided!

We will be building 28 picnic tables. Most will be given to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake families. Extra tables will either be sold in the Habitat Restore or taken on the WoodsWork mission trip to be donated to the new habitat homeowners.

This is open to all members of Woods and members of the community, and will be led by the high school youth with support from the high school advisors and members of the Missions Ministry. Any youth younger than 6th grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Liability forms are required and are available at the beginning of the build. You must wear work boots or closed toe shoes.

Work will take place in the parking area next to the garage storage units and the WoodsWork shed.

Questions? Contact Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org or Scott Wiley at wilecoy2us@gmail.com or 410.353.1491.

On the Ground in Sancti Spíritus

Our Missions Ambassadors embarked on their annual voyage to Cuba last Wednesday, November 6. Even with Hurricane Rafael barreling down parts of the country, our ambassadors landed (after a delay) Friday morning in Havana, Cuba, and made their way to Sancti Spíritus. Through our partnerships, the group brought medicines, toiletries, garments, and other essential items to folks in the town of Sancti Spíritus. Our partnership is crucial in that we are some of the only ambassadors from the U.S. to support this region of the country.

For their tireless effort, we thank our Ambassadors to Cuba, particularly Marty Clayton, who organizes and oversees the execution of our trip. This year's ambassadors are:

Delia Edelmann

Marty Clayton

Mark Clayton

Lee Laque

Harold Laque

Kathy Lohff

John McLaughlin

Counseling & Care Center Offerings

Spirituality for the 21st Century

Bill Hocking's next Seminar will be held on Monday, November 18, 4:30PM, in the Large Group Room at the Woods Counseling & Care Center. The topic for discussion and reflection is the work of theologian, author and Benedictine Nun , Joan Chittister. Content will focus on successfully surviving life's struggles and finding the blessings in life's challenges. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Nancy Sullivan at nsullivan@woodschurch.org

Church Family News

Funeral Service for Earl Dewees

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Woods member, Earl Dewees, will be held at Woods Church on Saturday, November 16, 1PM. A reception will follow.



Please continue to keep Earl’s wife Dana and his daughter Molly Brockett, and all of their family and friends in your prayers.

A Moment of Prayer

God of all generations, this week we give special thanks for young people in our congregation and community. Give them wisdom and strength to navigate the stresses of school, activities, jobs, and personal responsibilities. Reassure them of your grace and love for them simply because of who they are. Help those who are older to be both students of them and teachers for them, both followers of them and leaders for them, so that together we may accompany one another on the journey of faith and support each other through every step.

Through Christ we pray. Amen.