Messenger | October 16, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Service of Wholeness
• Senior Fellowship Dinner
• Woods Church Holiday Bazaar
• Fall Costume Party and Parade
• All Hallows’ Eve Organ Concert
• Condolences to the Family of Carolyn Decker

Pastor's Message

Friends, I’m excited about doing something slightly different for our Scripture readings this week, and I want to explain what’s happening and why, so that hopefully you’ll be excited about it, too!

As you may know, the ecumenical Christian church has created a schedule of Scripture readings for Sunday worship called the Revised Common Lectionary. A “lectionary” simply means that it is a compiled set of readings; “common” means that it is shared across denominations, rather than being something particular to one tradition; and “revised” means that the common lectionary we use today is a revision of the original one created many years ago as part of the ecumenical movement between Christian denominations in the 20th century.

The lectionary is an aid and a tool for preachers, not a prescription or requirement. So we are not obligated to follow it, but it is a helpful resource because in following it, over a three-year period it takes you through most of the content of the Bible; then the whole cycle starts again. This helps congregations and preachers engage the fullness of Scripture rather than just cherry-picking our favorite passages over and over again, or ignoring some of the more challenging ones!

As a preacher, I tend to use the lectionary as a sort of “base camp” for Scripture in worship; I start there and always come back to it, but sometimes go on other trips for a period of time. As I was planning out this fall’s worship schedule, I noticed that the lectionary assigns two passages from the book of Ruth on All Saints’ Day (coming up on November 3) and the next week.

That’s important for two reasons. The first is that All Saints’ Day is best served by looking at other Scriptures that day, so we would be skipping one of only two readings from it if we follow the lectionary strictly. Second, the book of Ruth is one of the tightest books in the Bible in terms of its story; while only being four chapters long, it is very hard to pull out readings in isolation without losing something crucial about the story in the process. And that story is both powerful and important, and I want for us to engage it that way. So this Sunday, we’re going to mix things up a little bit in terms of both the lectionary schedule and our typical pattern of Scripture lessons.

Usually, we have an Old Testament reading and a New Testament reading, each consisting of blocks of consecutive verses in a chapter. This week, we will still have two readings of normal length, but they will be selected sections and verses from the whole book of Ruth that create a condensed version of the overall story, so that we can hear the essence of its whole message rather than just one or two elements of it. In doing so, I think it will be a more insightful and engaging experience, and I look forward to experiencing that with you! See you in worship on Sunday.

Grace and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Service of Wholeness

There will be a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, October 16, 6:15PM, in the Sanctuary. This is a deeply spiritual service of prayer, laying on of hands and anointing by the pastors and elders for those experiencing emotional or physical concerns.

If you would like to attend, contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

Senior Fellowship Dinner

The Deacons of Woods Church will be hosting a Senior Fall Fellowship Dinner on Friday, October 18, 5:30–7:30PM. Members who are 65 and older (plus guest) are invited to attend to enjoy dinner, desserts, and music. Wear your favorite country hat or boots.

Please RSVP to Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or madams@woodschurch.org.

Coffee & Conversation with Pastor J.C.

These conversations with the Rev. J.C. Austin, our new Lead Pastor, will be continuing this fall, but we are changing the schedule for them to allow for a wider range of timeslot opportunities than just ones following our 11AM service on Sundays. So, the next gathering will be on October 13 after the 11AM worship service in the Founders Room, but then we will have one on Tuesday morning, October 22, 10AM, and Monday morning, November 4, 10AM. Evening gatherings also are in the works, so if that timeslot is best for you, keep an eye out for announcements of those opportunities soon.

Contact Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org or 443.261.3263 to let her know which date you want to attend, or stop off in the church office on Sundays and sign up in person.

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.

Woods Church Nominating Committee Invitation

At Woods, we gather to worship, to pray, to grow in faith, to minister to those in need, to share our sorrow, and to share our joy. We treasure our time together as brothers and sisters in this congregation of believers. Now we ask you, our brothers and sisters, to prayerfully consider supporting our congregation by nominating names of candidates to be part of our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC).

We’re putting this APNC together now to ensure that our Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds can transition from her current full-time position at Woods to focus on her work at the Counseling Center, sometime in the second half of 2025.

Our goal is to minimize the length of the transition period between associates and ensure that we continue to move forward as a congregation with momentum and purpose.

Please search your heart and prayerfully consider serving or nominating another member as a candidate for the APNC. Please place your recommendations in the Nominating Committee mailbox in the church office or email Jenny Henry at nominations@woodschurch.org.

Woods Holiday Bazaar Sneak Peek

Save the date: Saturday, November 23, 9AM–1PM! 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. And remember, 100% of the proceeds support Mission activities of our church.

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

Please consider volunteering for a few hours before or after you shop. Contact Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com or Beth Hadley at bbhadley@gmail.com.

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.

Education & Small Groups

Savvy Seniors & Those Who Love Them

Aging is a privilege, but not always simple. Courtney Zilonis from the AACo Department of Aging and Disabilities will join us on Sunday, October 20, 11AM, in Room 208, to talk about services available for seniors, their families, and caregivers. Have questions? This month’s Savvy session offers the opportunity to pose your questions in real time, face-to-face with an expert. Be “in the room where it happens!”

Children's News

Sunday School Offering

We are collecting new or gently used coats (please make sure they are clean) of all sizes to benefit HOPE for All, a Woods Church mission partner. Donations may be dropped off through Sunday, October 20. Look for a bin in the Sunday School wing to place your items.

Fall Costume Party and Parade

Join us on Friday, October 18, 4:30–6PM, at Boone Station to meet the Rev. J.C. Austin, our new pastor. Break out your Halloween costume, play games, listen to music, and be part of the costume parade for SunRise assisted living at 5:30PM.

Non-perishable food donation for SPAN is welcome.

Music News

All Hallows' Eve Organ Concert

On Tuesday October 29, 7PM, join organist Roderick Demmings, Jr., as he presents a free All Hallows' Eve organ concert. His performance will include works by Bach, Buxtehude, Massenet, Boëllmann, and Brahms, as well as readings by Edgar Allen Poe and Charles Dickens. It’s sure to be spooktacular!

A love offering will be collected to support Indigenous music throughout the year! This concert is sure to be Spooktacular! For more information please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Woods church will be presenting the musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, March 28–30 & April 4–6 . And auditions are just around the corner! Come join us on this exciting adventure! What makes a monster and what makes a man? Step into the heart of Paris and experience the powerful tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This evocative musical, inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the acclaimed Disney animated film, brings to life the story of love, acceptance, and heroism set against the backdrop of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Join us as we follow Quasimodo, the gentle bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his journey to find acceptance and love in a world that shuns him. Alongside the courageous Esmeralda and the conflicted Claude Frollo, the story unfolds with themes of compassion, justice, the resilience of the human spirit and finding your sanctuary.

Auditions November 3 and 4

Go to wmpcauditions.com for more information and to sign up for an audition slot.

Behind The Scenes Help

Interested in helping behind the scenes with the show? We would love too have you! Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

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.

Mission News

Help Our Brothers & Sisters in Sancti Spíritus

Our brothers and sisters in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, are in dire need of over-the-counter medicines. Please help by picking up a list at the welcome desk or in the office, and bring items by Sunday, October 20.

Thank you!

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.

Yarn Requested for the Guatemala Partnership Trip

There is a request being made for yarn to be taken to Guatemala for the women who create beautiful scarves for their prayer shawl ministry. The yarn will be taken by the Presbytery of Baltimore group traveling there, November 2–9. This will include visits to the Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA) programs that support women and families. There is a box in the church office for dropping off your yarn over the next few weeks. Please donate what you can.

For questions contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412 or Sher Atkinson at 410.647.4824.

Counseling & Care Center Offerings

Spirituality for the 21st Century

Bill Hocking's next Seminar will be held on Monday, October 21, 4:30PM, at the Woods Counseling & Care Center, Large Group Room. Bill will lead a discussion on the work of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan Priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Fr. Rohr raises social justice issues, with an emphasis on love and suffering, the exclusionary nature of religion and how the "Cosmic Christ" relates to the vast universe.

For more information, contact Bill Hocking at billhocking100@comcast.net or Nancy Sullivan at nsullivan@woodschurch.org.

Church Family News

Condolences to the Family of Carolyn Decker

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Carolyn Decker. Carolyn was a member of Woods Church since January 1990.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email. Please keep Carolyn’s family and friends in your prayers.

We’re Hiring 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.

A Moment of Prayer

God who always sees us: help us to see you.

When we feel distanced from one another

 and from ourselves, meet us;

stir up within us an awareness of your

 presence that cuts through our isolation.

Come to us wherever we are, near or far, so

 we may always know

there is no place we can go that is beyond

 your love's reach.

Through Jesus Christ we pray; Amen.