Messenger | November 6, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Advent & Christmas Art Exhibit
• Woods Church Holiday Bazaar
• Place Your Holiday Nut Order
• Opus 3: An Evening of Debuts
• Baroque by Candlelight Christmas Concert
• Let’s Raise Some Dough
• Condolences to the Family of Earl Dewees

Pastor's Message

I am writing this message on November 6, the day after Election Day. For many people in our nation and in our congregation, today has been the beginning of a season of grief. That grief comes from far more than simply their “side” having lost an election, but from the fear that the results of that loss will be bringing real harm to themselves, or to people that they know and love, or to those who are already among the most vulnerable people in our communities, or to the future of our country. It is important for us to honor the reality of that fear and grief, perhaps especially if you do not share it yourself, for certainly not all of us do. For some of us, these election results were hoped for rather than feared. Yet Scripture reminds us that “if one member of the body suffers, all suffer together with it.” And from the calls and messages and conversations that we’ve already had today, it is safe to say that many of our members in this part of the Body of Christ are suffering. So let us commit ourselves to suffering together, to granting one another the space to grieve if we need it, and to being an intentional presence of comfort and grace to one another regardless of our politics.

Many people have also been asking some version of the question, “What do we do now?” As I’ve been ruminating on that question myself, I wonder if a better question is “What does the Lord require of us?” That, of course, is essentially the question that the prophet Micah asked rhetorically on behalf of the people of Israel. He asked it in the context of great political and religious upheaval and division, and wondered how God’s people should respond in that moment: what do we do now? This is his answer:

God has told you, O mortal, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and love kindness,

and walk humbly with your God?

That, in sum, is what we are to do now. It is also what we were to have done if the election results were different, because it is what we—as the people of God—are always to do, in every time, place, season, and circumstance: do justice; love kindness; walk humbly with our God.

The real question for us is: How we do that now, together, in the particular time, place, season, and circumstances in which we find ourselves? That will require even more questions, which is part of why the sermon this Sunday is titled, “A More Beautiful Question.” I look forward to being with you all on Sunday, in person or online, whether you are grieving or grateful, as we consider that question and more.

Peace,

—Pastor JC

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 the Secret Santa Shop and the Jewelry Table! And remember, 100% of the proceeds support our church’s many Mission activities.

Attention Parents: Secret Santa Shop

Bring your children to the Secret Santa Shop in the Library and our assistants will help them pick out gifts for family and friends while you wait. We’ll have lots of low-cost gifts for them to choose from and only accept cash to keep it simple. It’s super fun and teaches children to shop thoughtfully within a budget.

The Jewelry Table Returns

Stop by the Jewelry Table for low-cost costume earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, pins, and more. Donate your unwanted jewelry during the week, then come shop on Saturday to find your next favorite accessory to wear during the holidays and all year long. Donations can be dropped off on the stage in Zimmerman Hall on Sunday, November 17, 12:30–5PM, and Monday–Thursday, November 18–21, 9AM–5PM.

Questions?

Contact Karen Lerario at kglerario@gmail.com or Marty Clayton at mclayton@breezeline.net with any questions.

And if you’re able to help set up 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.

Pastor J.C. Meet & Greets

In an effort to get more Woods members to meet and chat with our new head of staff, Pastor J.C., we are starting a series of in-home "meet & greet J.C." gatherings. A number of Woods members have offered to host a 90-minute gathering in their home, with refreshments and conversation, and invite 10–15 of their Woods friends to meet Pastor J.C.

If you are interested in either hosting a small gathering in your home or attending one of these events, please reach out to Sue Ward at sward@woodschurch.org.

Children's News

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from Sunday. We were celebrating All of the Saints! Saints are not people who are perfect. They are people who love God and follow Jesus' ways of living. They make mistakes sometimes, but that is okay. The Bible is full of people who make mistakes, or misbehave, and God did amazing things through them.

One of our Sunday School Saints, Miss Liz, shared a favorite book with us. She and I both miss our fathers, and we both love the book, The Invisible String. Miss Liz brought her copy of the book and a picture of her dad. We know he is proud of her being a helper in Sunday School. We also know that God's love is an invisible string that keeps us connected to people who have died and live with God now.

When I was a little girl, my family sang, "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" every year on the first Sunday of November. Now, my father was an episcopal priest. The verse that says, "One was a soldier and one was a priest and one was slain by a fierce wild beast..." came out a little differently. My three sisters and I could make quite a ruckus from the back pew!

I wonder, how can we be saints today? How can we show that we "love the Lord, so dear, so dear?" I would love to hear about how you show God's love to others. How do you do what is "right for Jesus' sake?" Write it below, or tell me Sunday.

Music News

Opus 3: An Evening of Debuts

Join us for an exciting evening of music on Saturday, November 9, 7PM! The evening will feature newly composed works and performances by classical guitarist Alec Green, renowned pianists Jung-hoon Park, and Roderick Demmings, Jr., and original choreography by Elysian Dance Theater. This is a free concert with all donations going to support our Woods Church music department. Come and experience these premiere performances and compositions!

For more information, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. This event also will be available via livestream.

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.

In Our Community

Let’s Raise Some Dough

On Wednesday, November 6, 4–9PM, stop by the Squisito's Pizza in the Magothy Gateway shops (147 Ritchie Hwy E, next to Harris Teeter). A slice of the proceeds—15%—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

Condolences to the Family of Earl Dewees

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Earl Dewees. Earl was a member of Woods Church since 1983. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email.

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

A Moment of Prayer

Our souls bless you, O God:

for your imagination that created us,

your wisdom that guides us,

your example in Jesus Christ that inspires us.

Help us to follow Christ's way, to mold our lives in his likeness,

and to reflect your image to all that we meet.