Messenger | September 13, 2023

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• 2022–2023 Annual Report Now Available
• Confirmation Class Updates
• Youth Group is Back
• Continue the Conversation at Home
• Backpack Buddies Program
• Prayers for Rev. Terry Schoener
  

Pastor's Message

Dear Friends and Family of Woods Church,

Woods Kickoff Sunday was a success with members and visitors coming together in a place where all belong. Much thanks goes to the many people who worked to make worship, fellowship and activities real celebrations.

Feeling connected to others is not always as easy as setting a stage for it. We tend to persistently have various likes and dislikes, differences of opinion, and sometimes challenging perspectives on right and wrong/good and bad. Unfortunately blending these under one roof (even in a church) is difficult and such efforts can run into accusations and disagreements which then may result in judgment and isolation rather than inclusion.

Too often the condemnation of “the other” results in very damaging behaviors: exclusion, bullying, and even overt harm. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans tell us that Jesus insists that “nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone that thinks it is unclean.” In other words, our outlooks matter and make a difference in how another is perceived and treated. Let us be mindful of what and who we consider “unclean” for the gospel reminds us not only that we are not always right (even with the best of intentions) but that we are to walk not in judgment, but in righteousness, peace, and joy.

See you Sunday. Come as you are!

Pastor Nancy

Church News

2022–2023 Annual Report Now Available

The Woods Church 2022–2023 Annual Report is now available. Click here to access it.

Youth & Children's Ministries

Confirmation Class Updates

Any students 8th Grade and up who haven't yet been confirmed are invited to join us for a year of faith development. Our parent meeting will be on Sunday, September 17, 4PM, in Room 212, and the class will officially begin on Sunday, September 24.

The fee for the class is $150 for the year, including two retreats! Register online to sign up. Contact Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org with any questions.

Youth Group is Back

Our Youth Group for grades 6–12 meets every Sunday evening, 5:30–7PM, in Fellowship Hall. Join us this Sunday, September 17, for fun and fellowship!

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home with "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst. Sunday's lesson was about love that withstands everything. The children heard the story of God making a "covenant" or "Holy Promise" to Noah and all of the world. God promised to never destroy the earth and to take care of us. Adults heard about forgiveness with Pastor Randy. Forgiveness and the rainbow covenant both are founded in a love that connects and withstands all emotions or actions. It is like an invisible string that connects us all together. For us, the invisible string is God's love made visible in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

I hope you can continue the conversation about God being a constant in life. Until then, let us support each other by using prayer to tug on the "invisible string" of God's love that connects us to each other and to God. Peace, friends.

Education & Small Groups

Fall Seminar: From Age-ing to Sage-ing

Led by Bill Hocking, this seminar presents a new approach to aging—one of life-long learning, healthy lifestyle practices, and spiritual growth. It's an inspirational look at aging and how to develop a creative, fulfilling aging process.

Book: Age-ing to Sage-ing (2014 edition) by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi & Ronald Miller

Zoom: 10AM, September 16, and every third Saturday through May 18, 2024

Zoom: September 16, 10AM, and

every third Saturday through May 18, 2024

To Register: Email billhocking100@comcast.net or nancy.sullivan@woodsccc.org

New Adult Education Class

Discover the good news in the Gospel of Mark. Walk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus with scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she examines John the Baptizer, the Little Apocalypse, the Transfiguration, and several of Jesus's most notable stories and parables. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. The book features an in-depth study of select passages and illuminates the Gospel in its historical context and as a source for the other gospels. Books are available on the office credenza.

The class will meet on Sundays, September 17–October 22, 11AM, in the office conference room and on Zoom (Meeting ID 875 3771 2467 | Passcode 634741).

A Study on The Screwtape Letters

Clive Staples Lewis was an intellectual and religious leader around the war years and the decade that followed. He is arguably one of the most influential people of his day. His voice was more widely recognized than Hitler, FDR, or Churchill due to his internationally syndicated radio broadcasts. He was an Oxford don who taught medieval literature. He was also a prolific writer and close friend of J.R. R. Tolkien to whom he dedicated his book, The Screwtape Letters.

This book is a classic in Christian literature. It is a short, fun to read, witty satire—and deadly serious. It holds up a mirror to our innermost being and throws a clear light on our darkest corners. It is a must read for any Christian.

We will be exploring the world of Screwtape starting Sunday, September 17, 11AM. Having read Screwtape is helpful but not necessary as we will read together each letter as we advance through the book. This class will be in Room 208 and taught by Greg Hubert.

Savvy Seniors

The first Savvy Seniors forum will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 1–2:30PM, in Fellowship Hall. Come for refreshments and conversation before the presentation, Transitions: Packing the Past and Unpacking the Future. Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds and Elder Peggy Newman, M.A, History of Decorative Arts, will discuss the complex issue of downsizing.

The Savvy Seniors program is for Woods members and the Severna Park community aged 65+. Monthly forums are designed to educate and promote a sense of connection and inclusion among participants as they experience the physical, financial, and social changes aging brings.

Contact: swilson@woodschurch.org or nsullivan@woodschurch.org



Woods Women's Circles

 The Women's Circles of Woods Church will be starting a new monthly Bible study in September from New Horizon's Bible Study. You are invited to join us for this hope-filled study, titled Sacred Encounters. The author, Rev. Olive Mahabir, invites readers to consider Jesus, "the good shepherd," who shared the good news through sacred encounters with everyday people.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, 10AM, in the Founders Room, or on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 7PM, on Zoom. Copies of Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke–Acts will be available each Sunday in August at a table in Fellowship Hall. Stop by to sign up and pick up a book. (Cost for the study guide is $10.)

The contact for Tuesday morning Circle is Bev Haines, bhaines2218@gmail.com, and for the Wednesday evening Circle it's Nancy Nolan, msmum@sent.com.

Music News

Welcome Mr. Roderick Demmings, Jr.

We would like to welcome our new organist, Mr. Roderick Demmings, Jr. to our Woods family! Rod is an award-winning pianist and organist. He began his performance career at New York’s Carnegie Hall in a debut, solo performance at the age of 12. In addition to piano, Rod began taking pipe organ lessons at 12 and merited a full scholarship to attend Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in organ performance.

Since Carnegie Hall, Rod’s performed around the globe. He’s toured Europe and Africa, performing in concert halls and cathedrals, including the Vatican. At home, Rod’s performed as a soloist in concerts halls from Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, to Philadelphia’s Verizon Center, to Los Angeles’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, and many more.

 An ardent advocate for social justice, Rod formed #BlackMusicMatters, an arts ensemble for singers and instrumentalists aimed at empowering and healing the Beloved Community through Black Music. In 2018, #BlackMusicMatters performed at the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, Tennessee. As an entertainer, Rod’s transcription of George Clinton’s “We Want the Funk” for Pipe Organ garnered more than 81k views online.

 Rod is the proud organist of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore where he gladly serves under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Johnson, Sr.

In addition to music, Rod is an avid aviation aficionado, competes athletically, and loves most things culinary.

Open Dance Classes

Woods Church is offering Open Dance Classes! Our first dance class starts on Sunday, September 17, 1–2:30PM! 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!

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

Children’s Choir Returns

Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome to come sing in our Children’s Choir! Our first rehearsal will be on Sunday, September 17, 12:15–12:45PM, in the choir room. And yes, we have CANDY!

Email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org with any questions.

SEEK Band Rehearsal

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on down! Any youth in grades 6–12 can join our SEEK Band. The band offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, September 17, 1–2PM.

Church Family News

Backpack Buddies Program

Did you know that in spite of the fact that Anne Arundel County has the lowest county poverty rate in Maryland, there are over 33,000 people living in poverty and nearly 1/3 of them are children! 59% of the children at Annapolis Middle School are in the school's free lunch and breakfast program (585 children). However, many of these students go home at the end of each week to a house with little or no nutritious food. This is why the Backpack Buddies Program was developed.

In order to serve the neediest students (about 75 students) at Annapolis Middle School, the Woods Church Backpack Buddies program requires $250 for each child! This provides:

• Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack for each Saturday, Sunday and holiday of the school year;
• Monthly "First Friday" lunch of Pizza or Chick-fil-A.
• Safeway grocery cards sent to families prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter.
• Target gift cards for each student's birthday.
• Under Armor high school backpacks with school supplies for the 8th graders.

Won't you please consider full sponsorship of a child ($250) or whatever you are able? Donations can be made directly to Woods Church with AMS Backpack Buddies in memo section. Donations also can be made online at WoodsChurch.org. We also need sponsors to help pack the backpacks on Friday afternoons. Let us know if you are willing to help.

For more information, contact Susan Bohlman, susanrbohlman@gmail.com, Kim Erickson, kmericks22@gmail.com, or Penny/Dick Moore, irpmoore@verizon.net.

Save the Date for Our Holiday Bazaar

The Woods Church Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 18, 9AM–1PM.

We also will be collecting donations and will happily accept the following new or gently used items starting Sunday, November 12, 12:30–5PM; and Monday–Friday, November 13–17, 9AM–5PM, in Zimmerman Hall.

• Jewelry
• Hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, and purses
• Books, records, CDs, videotapes, puzzles, and DVDs
• Games, Toys, cameras, and small sporting goods
• House wares: dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, lamps, art objects, pictures, and small appliances.
• Collectibles, antiques, knickknacks, crafts, and other giftware.
• Christmas and other holiday items
• Domestics: gently used or new linens, curtains etc.
• Furniture: children’s furniture, small table and chairs, bookcases, stools, and other reasonably sized furniture.

If you have any questions, contact Pam Blumenthal or Beth Hadley, co chairs of the 2023 Holiday Bazaar.

Church Family News

Prayers for Rev. Terry Schoener

Rev. Schoener wants everyone to know how much he appreciates your cards and notes. They are meaningful and remind him of your faithful presence in his life.

Thank you also for respecting the need for privacy at this time. I am regularly dropping off your notes, and you may bring them by the front office at Woods at any time. There is a basket behind the receptionist’s desk marked with his name.

Of course, your ongoing prayers are requested for both him and Sally.

—Pastor Nancy

Death Notice

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Woods member and deacon Charlene VanMeter, will be held at Woods Church on Wednesday, September 20, 1PM, in the sanctuary. Please keep Charlene's family and friends in your prayers.

Congregational Prayer

Gracious and sustaining God, thank you for this day. Strengthen my resolve to love and show mercy through the hours ahead. Guide my work that I have to do today. May I ever walk in the strength and confidence that comes from following where you lead. In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.