Messenger is here!

October 9, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Community Conversation, October 14
• Service of Wholeness, October 22
• Sunday Morning Fellowship
• All Saints’ Day
• WoodsWords
• Youth & Music Ministries Open Mic Night
• Baltimore Presbytery Fall Youth Gathering
• Children’s Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• The Prince of Egypt Auditions
• Musical Audition Workshop
• AGO Hymn Festival
• Open Dance Classes
• Medicine Needed for Sancti Spíritus, Cuba
• Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot
• Help Fill SPANS’ Shelves

Pastor's Message

Friends, this Sunday, we’re starting a new sermon series for the next few weeks that I’m entitling, “The Ethics of Exile.” As you all well know, our nation is not only continuing to polarize along political lines, but the speed and severity of that polarization has been increasing significantly in recent months, and has reached new levels of intensity in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination and the deployment of federal soldiers into multiple U.S. cities. As I’ve been reflecting on these developments and our reactions to them here in Maryland, it has occurred to me that one of the few things that is true across the political spectrum is a sense of exile from the country that we’ve always understood ourselves to be; even though there are very different reasons for that sense of exile across the spectrum, that feeling has been consistent.

As you may know, the Bible actually has a great deal to say about the experience of exile. The Babylonian Exile, when the Babylonian Empire conquered the kingdom of Judah and destroyed both the city of Jerusalem and the Temple within it, is arguably the most significant historical event for the Jewish people in the Bible since Moses led them out of Egypt and began the journey to the Promised Land. It’s called the “Exile” because the Babylonians did not simply conquer Jerusalem, but kidnapped most of the elites of the city and elsewhere in Judah and forced them to live in and around Babylon for at least 60 years. This caused not just a great social and political upheaval, but a theological one: if the Promised Land was conquered, the king descended from David was overthrown, and the Temple was destroyed, had God broken the covenants with the Jewish people and abandoned them? And even if not, how were they supposed to live while enduring this exile?

Many of the prophets in the Old Testament spoke to those very issues and concerns, especially Jeremiah, and in reading through what they said, I believe there is great wisdom and relevance for us in this moment we are in, regardless of your political commitments. So for the next three weeks. we will be considering that in the sermons: what are the “Ethics of Exile?” What are we called to do as Christians in the midst of these experiences of exile? Who are we called to be? What hope can or should we have in the midst of all this, and what is the good that we should be working towards? How should we be treating each other and our neighbors, especially those with whom we disagree deeply on extremely important things? These are all questions about the ethics we should be following in this time of exile, and they are important ones with which to engage and wrestle.

Finally, I want to remind you that our upcoming Community Conversation on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30PM, in the Sanctuary, also will be an opportunity to engage and wrestle with these questions. Given the increasing levels of not just polarization but outright enmity in our society right now, we have chosen the specific theme of “Who Is My Enemy? Being Community in the Midst of Conflict” to guide that conversation. The conversation will be moderated by myself and there will be a clear set of principles that will be the covenant of behavior for our conversation, in order to ensure we can create and maintain a “brave space” where everyone can speak with authenticity and vulnerability on these difficult issues. I hope you will make a special effort to be there and a part of that conversation, as well, and will invite your neighbors to come, too.

With all that in mind, let me leave you with this verse from Jeremiah, which will be part of the reading for this Sunday’s sermon, as a word of hope and assurance in the midst of all these things. In Jeremiah 29:11, he says: “‘For surely I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord ‘plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.’”

May it be so for all of us as it was for Jeremiah and his people in their day.

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Who Is My Enemy? Being Community in the Midst of Conflict

On Tuesday, October 14, the Pastors will convene and moderate a Community Conversation about the problem of ever-increasing enmity and polarization in our society and how we might work together across those divisions towards greater understanding, justice, and peace.

This event is open to the public, and a “Conversation Covenant” will be explained and followed in order to preserve a “brave space” for people to speak transparently about sensitive issues. Join us as we both seek and model the possibility of community in the midst of conflict.

Service of Wholeness

There will be a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, October 22, 6:45PM, 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, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or email her at madams@woodschurch.org.

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.

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?

Sunday Morning Fellowship

Don’t miss fellowship, coffee, and bagels every Sunday morning before and after services in Fellowship Hall!

The coffee of the week is COLUMBIA! Columbia Supremo is sourced from small to medium family-owned farms located within the city of Pereira in the department of Risaralda, Columbia. Coffee is cultivated on farms that average 2.5 hectares in size. Producers pick and process the beans at their own micro-wet mills and then dry their own coffee.



Looking for a place to serve without a long-term commitment? Try hosting Bagels & Coffee Fellowship one Sunday morning. Individuals, teens, friends, and families are welcome. Training provided. Stop by the Welcome Desk or Office for more information.

Youth News

Open Mic Night

Our Youth and Music Ministries are hosting an Open Mic Night on Friday, October 24, 7PM, in the Youth Room (212).

Do you sing? Play an instrument? Write poetry? Consider sharing your talents or just come to support others in this family friendly event. In the case of too many acts, our youth will be given priority on the sign-up sheet. Refreshments provided, but feel free to bring a snack to share.

Children's News

Children’s Fall Costume Party & Parade

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

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!

Musical Audition Workshop

Do you want to learn more about the art of auditioning, or have an audition coming up and want to get feedback? Then come on out to our free Musical Audition Workshop on Sunday, October 12, 3:15–5:45PM, in Fellowship Hall.

The workshop will be taught by professionals in the field - Atticus Boidy (acting), Emily Sergo (singing), Lindsay Zetter (dance). Please bring 1 to 2 songs to sing, a pianist will be provided. Please also wear comfortable clothes and shoes to dance in!

For more information, please email performingarts@woodschurch.org.

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.

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.