Messenger | October 18, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Welcoming the Baltimore Men’s Chorus
• All Saints Banner Viewing
• Youth Picnic Table Build
• Register for Our Fall Youth Lock-In
• Continue the Conversation at Home: Harvest Time
• Come Shop for Christmas
  

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Long ago (6th century BC) lived a Greek philosopher named Anaximander. In many ways, he made a discovery that is on par with the work of Copernicus, Galileo, and Einstein. But because no written works of his survived the passing centuries, we rarely hear about Anaximander at all.

Back in ancient Greece, people believed that the universe was a closed system. That is, all that we see and experience around us (sky, earth, oceans) was part of a sphere with distinct boundaries, like a giant beach ball that contained the world, sun, moon and stars. Anaximander figured out that the sky is not just above us, but it is also below us and all around us. Anaximander imagined what the Earth might look like if we traveled up to an immense height and looked down upon it. Instead of our world being flat or self-contained in its own sphere, he provided the mind-expanding image of the world floating in boundless space.

In many ways, there are two foundational questions of our faith: "Why is there something instead of nothing?" and "Is God the answer to the prior question?" We can easily go through our days never wondering about the mystery of life (Why there is something instead of nothing) and simply focus our energy on the "something" that is us and how to keep our "something" well-fed and content. But if something that is "not us" (God) is the reason why we exist in the first place, that changes everything. That shatters the limits of our old world-view and causes us to consider life from a much bigger, much grander, and boundary-less perspective.

The preceding paragraphs about an ancient Greek thinker and the philosophy of religion may seem irrelevant in light of the turmoil facing our world today. For example, the war between Israel and Palestinians holds our attention and reminds us how fragile our life together on earth truly is. But the deeper truth is that our world of borders and boundaries is a false construct. We share one planet and have been placed here to live cooperatively with all people. This has been the plan of our Creator God from the beginning of time. Our faith then leads us to prioritize caring for human needs over pursuing the politics of war. No, this is not an easy path to follow, but such is the journey set before us by our Savior and guide, Jesus Christ. Hold onto these thoughts as together we pray for peace.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Randy

Church News

Welcoming the Baltimore Men’s Chorus

We are excited to welcome the Baltimore Men's Chorus to both services of worship on Sunday, October 22. This vocal ensemble celebrates diversity, fosters equity and inclusivity among their singers, staff and audiences at large. Under the direction of Caite Debevec, this LGBTQ+ performing arts organization has offered musical excellence and intentional community outreach to the greater Baltimore region since their founding in 1984.

Nominating Committee Invitation to All Members

The Nominating Committee is in the process of identifying church members to serve as church officers (Elders and Deacons). Below is a brief description of the role of Elder and Deacon.

ELDERS: Ministry of Discernment and Governance

Elders exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, discipline, and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation. They oversee church ministries related to education, evangelism, pastoral care, mission, financial stewardship, property management, worship and human resources.

DEACONS: Ministry of Compassion and Service

Deacons model deeds of compassion, witness, and service through their works of helping with the sacraments of baptism and communion, praying and visiting those in need, providing opportunities for fellowship and community-building, and welcoming all into the life of the church.

Please search your heart and prayerfully consider serving as a church officer or nominating another member as a candidate.

Contact any member of the Nominating Committee listed below, place your recommendations in the Nominating Committee mailbox in the church office, or send us an email (c/o Jenny Henry) at jennyhenry1188@comcast.net.

We appreciate all your input.

Very Truly Yours,

Woods Congregational Nominating Committee: Jenny Henry, Karen Kissam, Ruth Dunham, Beth Hadley, Bev Haines, Carolann Marone, Pat Moffitt, David Nelson, Nancy Nolan, Diane Rausch, and Dan Raymond



All Saints Banner Viewing

On Sunday, November 5, we will recognize All Saints Day with one service at 9:30AM. Banners representing the life of all members who have passed from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, will be presented. The loved ones of those who have passed will be accompanying each banner procession. Because this service can be very emotional to see the banner for your loved one for the first time, often families find it helpful to see the banners in advance, so we offer a banner preview for you. If you have not received an email with the date and time of the preview, please email or call Maureen Adams in the church office. This is a private viewing for the families.

If you have a relative that passed during the time frame mentioned above, and was not a member of Woods, but would like to see their name represented, we will be doing so on a slide presentation. Please send their name, your relation to that person, and their date of passing to Maureen Adams at madams@woodschurch.org. Together, we remember and give thanks for their lives.

Join Our Prayer Tree

The Prayer Tree is a group of 40+ members who pray for people on our list every day for two weeks. Pastors Randy and Nancy, Maureen Adams, and Sarah Wilson, are some staff members who belong to our group. These are private prayers and remain confidential. When you have a prayer request, simply email prayertree@woodschurch.org.

We welcome new members. There are no meetings, just the necessity to set aside time each day for prayers. Questions? Use the email address above to contact Margaret Duggan, Prayer Tree coordinator.

Support the Woods Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund

We have a need for donations to replenish dwindling assets in the Cecilia McKay Fund. You can imagine that with the paucity of rental units, people who previously were doing OK now have a rent increase in addition to gas, food, etc.

Your generous donations during COVID have been a God-send…but they will soon be depleted. This fund provides financial assistance to those with eviction notices, power cut-off, or other utilities.

The Cecilia McKay Fund is not a part of the Woods budget and is only funded by direct donations. Please help with this important effort of outreach to the community. Contributions can be made online. (Checks should be made out to Woods Church with Cecilia McKay in memo line).

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.

Register for Our Youth Lock-in

Our Fall Lock-In, for the entire Youth program, will be Friday–Saturday, October 27–28. We will begin with dinner on Friday night at 5:30PM, and conclude with dinner and worship on Saturday at 6PM (pick-up at 7PM).

Our theme for this lock-in is Summit, a coming together of a community. There will be lots of opportunities for the Youth to grow together as leaders, and use their spiritual gifts to build community together. Register online



Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home with a cooperative board game, Harvest Time.

The story of Ruth and Naomi showed our children how caring for each other can help everyone have enough and no one to feel afraid. Working together, your children can harvest vegetables so that everyone has enough! It is a wonderful story and a wonderful game that reminds us that God provides us with a community to work with to care for God's people and the world.

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

Come Shop for Christmas

Jewelry Table is loaded with costume jewelry of all types—necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, watches, etc. The prices are right! One dollar to five dollars for almost all items.

Please consider donating unbroken costume jewelry by bringing it to Zimmerman Hall the week before the Bazaar.

Knit Shop has handmade knitted items for wearing and decoration. Each item is unique and made with love. You won't want to miss this year's felted hats for women!

Quilters' Table will have play mats, quilts, table runners, doll beds with quilts, baby bibs, aprons, and small quilts.

Books, Books, and More Books! We have just the place to donate adult and children’s hardback, paperback, and audiobooks: the Holiday Bazaar Book Nook. Donations may be dropped off Monday–Friday, November 13–17, in Room 155. Just put them in the back of the room next to the wall. A great way to clear out the books you’ve finished reading and make some money for Missions! We cannot take textbooks, encyclopedias, or magazines. We also can use grocery size brown paper bags!

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.

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.

Open Dance Classes

Woods Church has teamed up with some amazing local dance teachers to teach a variety of dance styles on select Sunday's this fall. Come and try them all, you may find a new dance style just for you! See our schedule below.

Interested in attending? Register using the link below. For further questions, email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

Church Family News

Death Notice

It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Woods' former senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. W. Terry Schoener. Terry was the senior pastor at Woods for 26 years and retired in October 2006. After his retirement, he served as pastor emeritus and will be remembered for his legacy of inspirational faithfulness and pastoral care.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection is being planned by the family and will be held here at Woods Church on January 13, 2024. More details about the time of the memorial service will be shared in a later congregational email.



Please keep Terry's family and friends in your prayers.

Congregational Prayer

Holy God, you have made us in your image and we belong to you alone. Therefore we offer ourselves to you in service, love, and praise. Use us for the glory of your realm and the good of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.



Amen.