Messenger is here!

October 22, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Reformation Sunday, October 26
• Dinner Church, October 27
• All Saints’ Day, November 2
• Picnic Table Build
• New This Year at the Holiday Bazaar
• Holiday Nut Orders
• Baltimore Presbytery Fall Youth Gathering
• 3rd Grade Bible Presentation
• Fa–"boo"–lous Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Adult Education Class on Babylonian Captivity
• The Prince of Egypt Auditions
• AGO Hymn Festival
• Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot
• Help Fill SPANS’ Shelves
• Prayers for the Family of John MacKay, Jr.

Pastor's Message

The last Sunday in October is Reformation Sunday for Protestant churches, on which we commemorate the Protestant Reformation that began in earnest when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses for how to reform the Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. That means we will be doing several special things in worship for that observance.

First (and loudest!), we will have bagpipers to play and process at the beginning and end of both services on Sunday. If you’re wondering why we have people wearing kilts instead of lederhosen on Reformation Sunday, given that the Reformation began in Germany, that’s a reasonable question. The answer is that the Presbyterian Church came to the U.S. through Scotland; John Knox was a Scot who studied under John Calvin in Geneva (Calvin was the founder of the Reformed tradition, which began in Geneva) and then took Reformed theology and church governance to Scotland to begin the Reformation there by founding the Church of Scotland, the first Presbyterian Church organized under those principles. Scottish immigrants, in turn, brought Presbyterianism to the U.S. starting in the 17th century. So while Presbyterian churches in the U.S. are obviously made up of people with all kinds of ancestry—including many different forms of Presbyterianism and other Reformed churches—that’s why we have bagpipes in worship on Reformation Sunday!

Second, we will be distributing Bibles to our third-grade children as part of the service. We do this in general to help fulfill the congregational vows we take at every infant baptism to help children learn Scripture and how to live out their faith. We do it on Reformation Sunday in particular to recognize the Reformation conviction that Scripture is not the “property” of the church, but is available to everyone for personal worship and study. That was a significant shift from the medieval Church, which literally chained Bibles to the pulpits in sanctuaries and put locks on them so that Scripture could neither be taken by laypeople nor read by them on their own. But while the Reformers put a high value on well-educated pastors and teachers for the church, they also felt that Scripture was God’s gift to everyone and they should have access to it, both in terms of having their own copy and having that copy in their own language so they could read and understand it.

Finally, we will be recognizing teachers and other educators in the course of the service on Sunday. Again, Protestants in general and Reformed Christians in particular place a high value on education. John Calvin felt that many of the errors that the medieval church fell into were the result of poor education, with neither church members nor priests understanding the liturgy they were using or the Scripture they were reading, which led to lots of problems with superstition and even heresy. As a result, one of his first acts as the leader of the Reformation in Geneva was to open a seminary for pastors and one of the first comprehensive public school systems for children in European history, even taking the then-unusual step of insisting that girls be taught as well as boys. So, in celebrating and thanking our educators today, we not only show our appreciation for all their hard work and dedication, but we continue that Reformed insistence on quality education for all, both within and beyond the Church.

So, it will be a busy and important Sunday this week; hope to see you in worship!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Reformation Sunday

At both services on Reformation Sunday, October 26, we will welcome the Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band, Brass Quintet, and Percussion.

The Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band was formed in 1985 to promote the highest standards in both traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum ensemble performance. Since then, the band has regularly participated in parades, concerts, and pipe band competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Please visit their website at chesapeakecaledonian.net for more information.

Dinner Church

On Monday, October 27, we will offer our Dinner Church experience in Fellowship Hall! There will be a gathering time starting at 5PM; Dinner Worship itself begins at 5:30PM and concludes around 6:30PM. This will be a family-friendly, multi-generational time of food and worship in a comfortable, casual setting. We will gather around tables, and dinner will be integrated into the service itself—which will include singing, prayer, a pastor's message, and an interactive reflection time. Come share in good worship, good food, and good community!

All Saints’ Day

On Sunday, November 2, the congregation will celebrate All Saints’ Day as we worship together.

Our procession of banners will include our members who have returned home between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.

During the service, we will also include any family members of Woods Church who have also died between the dates mentioned. Please email Maureen Adams at madams@woodschurch.org with the names of any family members you would like to include.

Picnic Table Build

Our annual Picnic Table Build, hosted by WoodsWork, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 9AM–3PM. Click the button below for more details. We hope you can join us!

Questions? Contact Oliver Page or Scott Wiley.

Pastor J.C. and Sarah Have Some News to Share

Watch for a congregation-wide invitation to an Open House celebration honoring the upcoming wedding of Pastor J.C. and his fiancé Sarah.

Holiday Nut Orders

Fall has arrived and it’s time to place your holiday nut orders. Don’t miss out on 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” with nut order on the memo line.

If you have any questions, contact Kay Mitchell at 410.757.7103.

New This Year at the Holiday Bazaar

Our annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 22, 9AM–1PM. This year, you’ll find two new offerings: Children’s Clothing and a Pet Lovers Station! Look for new and gently used children’s clothing downstairs and gifts for the pet lover in Fellowship Hall. Even more great opportunities to shop for the holidays! Mark your calendars and bring your children, your neighbors, and yourself for a day of shopping and socializing. And remember, 100% of the proceeds from the Bazaar support mission activities of our church.

WoodsWords

Words mean something…and so do the actions that they launch. You have been invited to participate in helping our ministries spring into action this fall by sharing your own stories of how you have perceived God in your life.

These can be memories of a time when God was profoundly life-changing or the simple acknowledgement of the sighting of a cardinal that offered reassurance and comfort during a difficult time. Big or small, God’s presence and revelations make a difference in how we go about our days.

At Woods, God springs forth in new ways constantly. As the Prophet Isaiah has asked, “Do you perceive it?” Many of you have shared “God sightings” or “God Winks” over the years and the stories come across as faith statements and a willingness to open hearts and minds to God’s presence. We would like for those stories to enrich our ministries as they are part of the fabric woven together that make up Woods Church.

Isaiah also asks, “Do you believe it?” As a church we profess our beliefs on a regular basis: in worship, in service, in caring and reaching out to others. WoodsWords is an opportunity to proclaim God’s active presence in our lives and to put that presence into action. As you are able, you may contribute to the launching of our ministries by making a financial commitment (pledge) to Woods or increasing what you have already pledged. We are the action of God’s stories. Let’s make all kinds of ministries spring forth into our church and community. God is all around us. Stories and pledges can be made using the WoodsWords card at the Welcome Desk or online.

Do you perceive it? Do you believe it?

Youth News

Open Mic Night Postponed

Our Youth and Music Ministries are planning an Open Mic Night. Due to scheduling conflicts, the event originally planned for this Friday, October 24, has been postponed. A future date will be announced.

Children's News

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

The children of Severna Park, the CDC, and Woods Church are invited to our third annual Fall Costume Party & Parade! Dress up and show up for a fun fall celebration with games, prizes, our famous Cup Cake Walk, and a parade to visit our friends at Sunrise Senior Living!

YOU can help with the game, welcoming children, or providing safety for the parade. Contact Lindsey Miller or Kat Green for more information.

Kindness Connections

Can you be-leaf it is fall?! One way we show our belief is through Kindness Connections. Every week, we are watching the Kindness Connections add up on the bulletin board in the Children’s Sunday School Hallway. Put YOUR name on a leaf each week and tell Ms. Kat or Ms. Lindsey how YOU made a Kindness Connection at home, school, work, or play. The Kindness Connections are really piling up!

Education & Small Groups

Adult Education Class on the Babylonian Captivity

Adult Education is offering a new class on Sundays through November 9, 11AM, in concert with a new sermon series about exile and how God has used it in the past as a growing opportunity for God's people. When we are separated from our familiar surroundings, friends, and loved ones it is difficult. This is true both when caused by geographic isolation, ideological disagreements or by spiritual estrangement. Join us to explore the Babylonian Captivity and how it worked to shape and grow God's people. The class is led by Greg Hubert in Room 208.

Pastors’ Bible Study

Lead Pastor J.C. Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 11AM, to examine the upcoming Sunday’s scripture readings before they are presented in worship.

Join us on Zoom and gain a new understanding of scripture and enhance your worship experience.

Music News

The Prince of Egypt Auditions

Auditions for The Prince of Egypt will take place on Tuesday & Wednesday, November 11 & 12, at Woods Church in Severna Park. There will be eight show dates on March 13–15 & 19–21.

The Prince of Egypt is a sweeping, epic musical with music and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Philip LaZebnik, and 10 new songs written by Schwartz, together with five of his songs from the DreamWorks Animation film, including the Academy Award-winning song, “When You Believe.”

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses—two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege—find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

We are looking for a cast of all ages, abilities, races, and gender identities. We also need help behind the scenes! Go to www.wmpcauditions.com for more information and to sign up!

Open Dance Classes

In order to bring our community together in a fun and movement-based way, join our Worship Ministry for a series of dance classes this fall! Professional teachers are set to offer a variety of dance styles including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more!

Open to anyone ages 12 and over in and outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes will be taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

We meet on Sundays, 2–3:15PM, in Fellowship Hall. For more information email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

AGO Hymn Festival

On Sunday, November 9, 3PM, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Aune, Professor of Organ at Peabody, singers from 10 area church choirs, including Woods Church, will gather and lead us in singing some of our most well beloved hymns! Come on out and join in the singing!

For questions please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Mission News

Medicine Needed for Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Our partner church in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, is in desperate need of over-the-counter medicines. A group from Woods is going in early November and can take these to them. Please be sure that all containers are factory-sealed. Gummies can not be accepted.

Needed items: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Antihistamines, Omeprazole, Famotidine, children’s and adult vitamins (no gummies), artificial tears, pain cream, Simethicone (Gas-X), Hydrocortisone, triple antibiotics, Afrin, Pepto-Bismol, 81m Aspirin, Naproxen, Children’s Tylenol and vitamin C (no gummies).

Thank you for supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are caring for their community!

Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot

The 2025 Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, November 1, 9AM, at Kinder Farm Park. This is SPAN’s primary fundraiser for the year to meet the extremely high levels of need for emergency financial assistance.

Please register today to be a sponsor or to do the 5K Race or 1-mile Fun Walk.

Help Fill SPANS’ Shelves

SPAN’s shelves are almost bare! Please support our neighbors in need by donating canned vegetables, canned meats or fish, pasta, sauce and other tomato-based products, instant and canned potatoes, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix and syrup, coffee and tea, toothpaste, soap, paper towels, laundry detergent, and dish soap.

Church Family News

A Thank You from the Bishops

“Thanks for all the prayers and phone calls of support for Nancy and me over the last weeks as we pass through rough waters. “Meaningful Comfort” is how I would define it. Thank you all!”

—Nancy & Pete Bishop

Prayers for the Family of John MacKay, Jr.

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, John MacKay, Jr.

John has been a member of Woods Church since 1989 and served as a Sunday School volunteer. He also taught the computer workshop for many years.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the Sanctuary at Woods Church, on Saturday, November 1, 1PM.

Please keep John’s family and friends in your prayers.

A Moment of Prayer

Gracious God, help us to follow where you lead us and to listen carefully for your voice in our midst. We thank you for the good things that you do in our lives that restore hope, redeem loss and enable undergird our faithfulness.

In Christ's service, Amen.