Messenger is here!

September 23, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Ways to Practice Sabbath
• In-Home Gatherings with Pastor Ashley
• Home Communion, October 4
• Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals Service
• Picnic Table & Bench Orders
• Fall Flower Workshop
• Sancti Spíritus Reaches Milestone
• Shoot Hoops with our Woods Basketball Group
• Bazaar Games & Puzzles Collection
• Children’s Clothing Collection
• Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Woods is Offering a Drop-In Program
• Music Ministry Notes
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

This week, I was given a tour of our neighbors at Sunrise Senior Living and joined their monthly worship service with Woods Church volunteers Katie Kuhn, Betty Butler, John Dunham, and Karen Lerario. I watched as they graciously led us in worship, and I was reminded of the holiness found in the simple act of being together in community. At the end of the day, we need one another. Phones down. Ears listening. Eyes up. There is something inherently sacred about this kind of presence, especially in a world filled with technology and its constant interruptions. There is something wonderfully bold about saying, “I’ll leave my phone in the car. I’ll walk the block without a podcast in my ear. I’ll greet my neighbors as I pass them.”

Being a member of Woods Church doesn’t start and stop when we pull onto the property. So often, we think of the Church as a physical place, but the Church is meant to be porous. Our membership comes with the invitation—and perhaps the challenge—to be present in one another’s lives. Holy togetherness should transcend weekly Sunday worship and extend into the small, ordinary moments of our lives.Christ says in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Basically, I’m saying… can we all hang out a little more? I’m only three weeks into my gig as Associate Pastor here, but one thing has already become obvious: The Woods Church property is beyond cool. There are constantly different groups using classrooms, gathering for activities, or walking around the natural habitat parking lot admiring the handiwork of our incredible gardening teams. There is so much physical space here where ministry, togetherness, and support can happen. Perhaps a successful church is not judged by the size of its membership, but by how often the hinges on the front door need replacing.

Very few churches in the Presbyterian denomination have the resources and physical opportunities that Woods possesses. So how can we be responsible stewards of what we have inherited? How can we use these many on-site resources to deepen discipleship and strengthen community? And how can we make sure our doors remain open—not simply because we have buildings to fill, but because we have a community to build? There’s a phrase in our Book of Order, The Unity of the Church (F-1.0302a), that reminds us that the church seeks to include all people and never be content to enjoy the benefits of Christian community for itself alone.

Being alone is easy. Being alone means we don’t have to navigate sticky topics, make room for someone else’s perspective, or fill those awkward silences with small talk. (And let’s be honest, some of us have gotten very good at avoiding small talk. But isolation is not what Christ intended for us.

In these past few weeks, as I’ve begun to get to know this church, I’ve been touched by how many opportunities for togetherness already exist right here on this campus. From dancing lessons at the Community Center, to chapel time in the Child Development Center, to yoga in Founders Hall, to Priscilla Circle and the Rehabbers, to Scouts of America—this is a place where so many people truly come together.

And that matters. Just as we gather at Sunrise, just as we gather on Sundays in our sanctuary, the body of Christ comes alive when we are in community. Maybe that is part of our calling in this season: to open our doors a little wider, put down our phones a little more often, and make a little more room for one another. Because sometimes discipleship looks like worship, prayer, and Bible study. And sometimes it looks like saying hello to a neighbor, sharing a cup of coffee, showing up for a dance lesson, sitting beside someone who needs company, or simply lingering a few minutes longer than we planned.

In other words, maybe we really should hang out a little more.There is holiness in that, too,

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor Ashley

Church News

In-Home Gatherings with Pastor Ashley

A number of people are hosting small groups of people in their homes to meet for conversation with Pastor Ashley so that she and we can get to know each other better. If you are interested in attending one, please email apnc@woodschurch.org or call the Church Office at 410.647.2550 and we'll connect you with a gathering that works for your schedule.

Home Communion

Woods Church will offer Home Communion on Sunday, October 4, following our 9:30AM Traditional service.

If you would like to be included or know of anyone in the congregation who might enjoy having Communion brought to their home, please contact Lauren Lohff at 410.647.2550 or llohff@woodschurch.org.

Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals Service

Pet owners and animal lovers are all invited to attend our annual Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 4, 1PM, at the front of the church.

Any questions? Email noahsark@woodschurch.org.

Picnic Table & Bench Orders

Would you like to order a handmade picnic table or bench? We’re taking orders until Thursday, October 15.

Please return your Order Form to Beth Hadley at bbhadley@gmail.com. Questions? Call 443.668.2551.

2026 Bazaar Games & Puzzles Collection This Sunday!

Bring your new or gently used puzzles and board games to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, 9/27 and get up to 2 free raffle tickets for a chance to win the Big Holiday Bazaar Gift Basket!



And SAVE THE DATE to SHOP at the Bazaar on Saturday, November 21!

Children’s Clothing Collection

Please bring in your new or gently used, outgrown children’s clothing now, then bring your family and friends for a morning of holiday shopping on the Saturday before Thanksgiving! Place your Size 2T through Youth 10 bagged donations in the BIG BLUE BIN in the Church lobby.



100% of the proceeds from the Bazaar support vetted mission partners of our church!

Fall Flower Workshop

The Flower Ministry invites members and friends of Woods Church to a workshop on Saturday, October 17, 9:30AM–12 PM, in the Founders Room. Space is limited to 25 participants. The cost is $25, which includes materials. Please bring garden cutters (clippers).

Register online or contact Pam Ward at 443.261.3263 or visit the church office.

A Broadway Afternoon: From Golden Classsics to Today

Come and join us for a fun-filled, Broadway Afternoon on Sunday, October 25, 2PM! The concert features renowned singers - Andrew Fowler (Tenor), Jennifer Cooper (Alto), Shouvik Mondle (Baritone), Tabitha Popernack (Soprano), David Merrill (Tenor), and pianist Sandy Daelemans. We’ll take you on a journey through some of the most beloved musical theater songs ever written! From West Side Story, to Cats, Phantom of the Opera, to Pippin there is something for everyone!

This event is free, but registration is required, please register at www.woodstix.org. For more information email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

(Original concert concept created by Shouvik Mondle)

Congratulations Junghoon Park

Congratulations to our pianist, Junghoon Park on putting on a beautiful concert! The Americana 250: An All-American Piano Recital was an undeniable success, bringing together members of the congregation and broader community for an afternoon of wonderful music. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

2026 Bazaar Games & Puzzles Collection Next Sunday

Bring your new or gently used puzzles and board games to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 20, and get up to two free raffle tickets for a chance to win the Big Holiday Bazaar Gift Basket!

And save the date to sop on Saturday, November 21!

Sancti Spíritus Reaches Milestone

Sancti Spíritus’ Living Waters project has just reached the milestone of 6 million liters shared with the community! The first liter was poured on June 7, 2012. Woods has supported this project by purchasing many water filters over the years.

Shoot Some Hoops & Make New Friends

Looking for some fun, fellowship, and a little friendly competition? Join the Woods Basketball Group on Saturday mornings! All skill levels are welcome. Interested in joining? Come shoot some hoops and meet some new friends!

Contact Todd McDowell at toddmcdowell@gmail.com for more information.

Children's News

Fall Costume Party & Parade

Join the Woods Children’s Committee for a fun-filled evening of costumes, games, crafts, music, prizes, and treats! Children and families are invited to celebrate the season with friends and show off their favorite costumes during our festive parade.

Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fall fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Woods' Drop-In Program on School Early-Release Days

Looking for a meaningful and fun option on public school early-release days? Our Drop-In program offers Christian Formation activities from 1–5PM.



Children will enjoy a snack, large-motor play, engaging small-group activities from 3–4:30PM. Workspace is available for parents who wish to “work from home” after drop-off. The cost is $10 per child.

Available on select two-hour early dismissal days by AACPS. Registration for October 13 and December 8 will open on September 21.

Youth News

Education & Small Groups

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and our Associate Pastor Ashley Brown 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 Notes

Music Ministry is Tuning Up

Be a part of our Music Ministry at Woods! For questions about our choirs, bands, or arts offerings, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Adult Choir

Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We rehearse Thursday evenings at 7PM. We look forward to having you with us.

Praise Band

Do you play an instrument, sing, or just love music? Then join our Praise Band! Our Praise Band leads worship at our 11AM service, with rehearsals on Thursdays, 7PM.

Reach out to Sarah Kent with any questions at skent@woodschurch.org.

Children’s Choir | Grades 1–5

Do you have child that just loves to sing, or wants to give it a try? Then come on out to Children's Choir! It’s super fun, and the tunes are catchy and easy to learn.

Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 20, 10:35–11AM.

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on out! Any youth in grades 6–12 can join our SEEK Band. The SEEK Band offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities.

Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 27, 12:15–1PM, in the Choir Room.

Church Family News

Tech Volunteers Needed

Easy to learn! We’re currently looking for volunteers to help with running slides and cameras during our worship services. This would be a great opportunity to support our church behind the scenes and/or pick up a new skill or two!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, email Eric Willner at ewillner@woodschurch.org.



Support Our Bagel Ministry

Looking for a way to honor, celebrate and/or remember a family member, friend, or special event? Consider sponsoring bagels following our worship services on Sunday mornings! The cost is $100.

For more information, contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Lost & Found

Eyeglasses, water bottles, and keys are some of the items regularly turned in to the Church Office. If you’ve misplaced something, please check the Lost & Found located in the sliding cabinets under the staff mailboxes. Volunteers clean out the collection at the end of each season and donate what remains.

Have faith that you and your objects will be reunited!