Messenger | October 25, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Celebrating Reformation Sunday
• All Saints Day Service
• Register for Our Fall Youth Lock-In
• Youth Picnic Table Build
• Continue the Conversation at Home
• New Adult Ed Class
• Christmas Shop & Greenery
  

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

A hospice nurse named Bronnie Ware put together a blog about the regrets she heard from people who were at the end of their lives. Her article, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying," has been widely read. Before I share the list of regrets she collected, pause for a moment and ask yourself, "What are the top two or three ways I'll know I've enjoyed a life well-lived?" As opposed to regrets, this question asks you to ponder the things that bring you joy and peace, even to your life's end. Find a piece of paper and jot your answers down. (Stop reading until you do this.)

Now, here are the regrets Bronnie Ware compiled from her work in palliative care. People said to her:

• "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life expected of me."
• "I wish I hadn't worked so hard."
• "I wish I'd had the courage to honestly express my feelings."
• "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends."
• "I wish that I had let myself be happier."

Those five regrets can be reframed into the following five short positive reminders: "Be true to yourself. Work wisely. Express your feelings. Stay connected. Let yourself be happy."

You could also turn them into modern day Beatitudes: Blessed are those who love who they are. Blessed are those who find meaning in their work. Blessed are those who share what's on their hearts. Blessed is being a friend and having friends. Blessed are the joyful, for they shall find joy all the days of their lives.

Now I invite you to look at the things you jotted down earlier. How do the life-priorities you mentioned connect with the "five regrets" or the "five Beatitudes"? Is there anything you'd consider doing differently in the years ahead in order to avoid the regrets or more fully live into the Beatitudes?

One last thing: Be willing to do the above "self-help" work upon a foundation of Christian faith. As you ponder life's ultimate meaning, stand on a foundation that includes the promise of Christ to be with you even to the end of the age, the good news of God's grace and loving-kindness, and the healing presence of the Holy Spirit that knows our needs even before we ask. Trusting the Lord of life is how best to live one's life without regrets for all the days to come.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Randy

Church News

Celebrating Reformation Sunday

During our 9:30AM and 11AM worship services on Sunday, October 29, we will celebrate the Reformation of the church with the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe and Drum Band. To learn more about the Caledonian Pipe and drum band, visit their website at chesapeakecaledonian.net.

All Saints Service

In honor of All Saints Day, and to allow for enough time to honor those who have gone before us, we will have only one service on Sunday, November 5, at 9:30AM. We will continue to celebrate our saints in Fellowship Hall with their banner displays immediately following worship, and hope you can join us as family and friends gather to talk about the legacies of our saints.

We also will celebrate the family of members (nonmembers) by displaying their names on a slide during the service. If you had a family member who passed between the dates of October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and would like to see your loved one’s name recognized, please send their name to Maureen Adams at madams@woodschurch.org.

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!

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.

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



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.

Youth & Children's Ministries

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



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.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home with elder Carly Dent. Carly shares The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates. The umbrella has room for everyone! Our story of small boy David, later King David, stands up to a bully as a way of caring for everyone. Both stories tell us ways to be kind to everyone.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Ed Class

A new Adult Education class will begin on Sunday, October 29, 11AM, and run through November 19. The class will be based on Why? Making Sense of God’s Will by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Books are on the office credenza.

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when waters rise, washing away a community's hopes; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears nations apart, where is God? If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is beloved, then how can there be tragedy and suffering?

Explore these questions in the office conference room or on Zoom. (Meeting ID: 881 9040 2550 | Passcode: 670798)

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

On Saturday, November 18, come into Founders Room for a taste of Christmas. We will have various Christmas decorations, ornaments, and cards for sale. Also, there will be greenery arrangements to decorate your house for the coming Advent season and Christmas holiday.

Following in the holiday traditions, we also will offer Santa’s Secret Shop in the Library just for kids! Bring your children and our assistants will help them pick out gifts for family and friends. Santa’s Secret Shop has gifts at a very reasonable price and takes cash only.

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

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.



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.

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.