Messenger | November 8, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Senior Fellowship Dinner
• New Members Class
• Service of Wholeness & Healing
• Preparing for Advent
• Opus 2: An Evening of Debuts
• Gloria Deo! A Very Cello Christmas Concert
  

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

If you were asked to summarize the main message of the Bible, you'd likely say something like this: "We are to love God with our heart, mind, and soul, and love our neighbor as ourselves." That's the answer Jesus gave when asked to summarize all the Jewish laws. It's also the primary message we teach our children and young people in Sunday School and Confirmation class.

But there is a difficulty with this summary. "Love" is a word that too often stays in the realm of the abstract. It's a concept we understand but not always an idea we put into practice. Yes, we know we are to love our neighbors, love our family and work colleagues, and love other people in the world; but sometimes it is hard to like them and we fail to live up to what the Great Commandment requires of us.

I've always remembered a quote I once read from the novelist Alice Walker (author of The Color Purple). She was asked "What is the most important question in the world?" After a pause, Walker quietly replied, "Why is the child crying?"

If you are looking for a consistent guide to faithful, moral living, one approach is to be a person who asks "Why is the child crying?" If you literally hear a child crying, you choose to be part of the solution, offering comfort to dry his or her tears. If you are aware of children suffering in some way, you focus your efforts on finding a solution that eases their pain and protects them from harm. If you are writing laws or establishing policies, you use as a baseline the basic question about whether such actions will help or hurt children in our community. When you grapple with unsettling news about wars and acts of terrorism (whether in Ukraine or Palestine) or domestic violence and abuse in this country, part of how you decide what path we should follow is shaped by your decision to protect and care for children first and foremost.

I think when Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me...for of such is the kingdom of God," he really wanted us to prioritize the children in this world. And if we do that, what better expression of love could there be?

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Randy

Church News

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.

New Members Class

Come Home to Woods and join our congregation. There will be a New Members Class on Sunday, November 12, 11AM in Founders. Come learn about the Presbyterian church, Woods, and what it means to be a member of our congregation.

You may email Nancy Nolan at msmum@sent.com or Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org for additional information.

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.

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.

Support Our Flower Ministry

The Flower Ministry (a group within our Worship Ministry) supports our worship services with the beautiful arrangements in our Sanctuary and around our church every Sunday. The Flower Ministry also provides arrangements for our deacons to offer support to those who are going through a difficult time, as well as to celebrate milestone birthdays for our members.

Consider supporting this important ministry. Click here to make a contribution.

Youth & Children's Ministries

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.

Preparing for Advent

Parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, who doesn’t count the days until Christmas? This Advent, we have several ways to help you and your family count down the days until we celebrate “Emmanuel,” God with Us.

Family Advent Pizza Party | Join us on Wednesday, November 29, for a pizza party as we prepare for the season. Make ornaments, tackle the Bethlehem escape room, walk the Christmas Labyrinth, and pick up your family Advent Spiral Calendar while supplies last. Spirals can be decorated however you wish. There also is a pewter figure to represent Mary/Joseph/our walk toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Of course, on December 25, you add the baby Jesus in a manger!

First Sunday of Advent | Pick up or download the Reflective Advent Devotional. It has a short and child-friendly home wreath lighting ceremony, a weekly reflection with a question to consider, and a path for stars. It starts on Sunday, December 3.

Christmas Pageant Practice | Our annual Christmas Pageant is is a great way to “put on” and “enter into” the story of Jesus’ birth. It is a wonderful family experience! We’ve got shepherd and angel costumes in all sizes!

• Adults will practice on Monday, December 18, 4–5:30PM.
• There will be a dress rehearsal for all participants on Tuesday, December 19, 4–5:30PM.
• The Christmas Pageant will be on Sunday, December 24, 3PM & 4 PM.

And join us to celebrate Jesus’ birth at our Christmas Eve services on Sunday, December 24.

• Contemporary Service, 6PM
• Choir and Instruments, 8PM
• Instruments, Soloists, and Communion, 10PM

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

Plan to Attend Our Holiday Bazaar

Our Holiday Bazaar is 10 days away. We are excited to have you join us on Saturday, November 18, 9AM–1PM. Mark your calendars and bring your children, your neighbors, and yourself for a day of shopping and socializing. All proceeds from the Bazaar go to help and support our Mission partners.

We are still collecting items for the White Elephant Station, Jewelry, Books, and Christmas and Holiday items. Drop off times are as follows: Sunday, November 12, 12:30–5:30PM, and Monday–Friday, November 13–17, 9AM–5PM. Books should be delivered to Room 155 and should be stacked against the wall. Only small furniture items that can be carried by individuals can be accepted. No donations will be accepted on November 18.

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.

Music News

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.

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!

Church Family News

Meet Our Mission Co-Workers

Rev José Manuel Capella-Pratt and Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, our mission co-workers, were at Sandy Cove, Maryland, for the gathering of Cuba Partners Network, October 24–27. This couple works in the Caribbean area, including for our partners in Sancti Spíritus and El Centro Presbytery. It was a pleasure to meet with them for discussion and worship. Please continue to pray for them as they strive to be God's hands and feet in the region.

New Watercolor of Woods Church

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

Death Notices

Prayers for the Family of Ray Mitchell

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Woods member, Ray Mitchell, will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2PM, in the sanctuary. Please keep his wife, Kay Mitchell, and family, in your prayers.

Remembering Sam Montgomery

It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Woods member, Sam Montgomery. Sam has been a member of Woods Church for 50 years. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email. Please keep Sam’s wife, JoAnne, and all of their family and friends in your prayers.

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.