Messenger | September 25, 2024

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Conversations with Pastor J.C.
• Blessing of the Animals
• “Youth Summit” Retreat
• Fifth Sunday Fun!
• Fall Costume Party and Parade
• Spirituality for the 21st Century
• Group Spiritual Direction
• All Hallow’s Eve Organ Concert
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Opus 3: An Evening of Debuts

Pastor's Message

Friends, as you hopefully have already heard, the Session has called a congregational meeting for this Sunday, September 29, 10:30AM, for the purpose of presenting the Annual Report for 2023–2024 to the congregation. A link to the online version of the report was emailed to the entire congregation on September 20; for your convenience, you can access that link by simply clicking the button below. Paper copies of the report also are available at the Welcome desk in the church lobby, including immediately before the meeting.

As a newcomer myself, it was wonderful to learn more about all that Woods does to live out our calling as Christ’s church and disciples; the impact that this congregation is making for Christ in individual lives, in our congregation, and in our world is truly amazing. I hope that you will take some time to read through the report and will make a point of coming on Sunday—both to worship together and to ask any questions or provide any feedback that you have in response to the report. I look forward to seeing you then!

Grace and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Coffee & Conversation with Pastor J.C.

These conversations with the Rev. J.C. Austin, our new Lead Pastor, will be continuing this fall, but we are changing the schedule for them to allow for a wider range of timeslot opportunities than just ones following our 11AM service on Sundays. So, the next gathering will be on October 13 after the 11AM worship service in the Founders Room, but then we will have one on Tuesday morning, October 22, 10AM, and Monday morning, November 4, 10AM. Evening gatherings also are in the works, so if that timeslot is best for you, keep an eye out for announcements of those opportunities soon.

Contact Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org or 443.261.3263 to let her know which date you want to attend, or stop off in the church office on Sundays and sign up in person.

Blessing of the Animals

Our Noah’s Ark Ministry Blessing of the Animals service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 1PM, at the front of the church. Our wonderful pastors will personally visit with each pet and bless them. A certificate of the blessing will be given to show that your pet has been blessed! There will be prayers, songs, scriptures, fellowship, and treats for your pets. All are welcome! Invite your friends and neighbors to join us!

Open Dance Classes

Join our Worship Ministry for a series of dance classes this fall on Sundays, 2–3:15PM! Professional teachers are set to offer a variety of dance styles—including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more! Classes are open to anyone age 12 and over, in & 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.

For more information, email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

We’re Hiring an Accountant

Woods Church is looking to hire an accountant—someone to maintain the various church funds and accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the church’s Financial Policies & Procedures Manual. This is a benefit eligible, 40-hour per week position. Knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office applications required.

If you’re interested in this position, please contact John McLaughlin at 410.647.2550 x335 or jmclaughlin@woodschurch.org.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class

Adult Education is offering a new 11AM study on Sundays, September 22–October 13, and October 27–November 3, featuring Context by Rev. Josh Scott. Exploring the chapter behind the verse, Context looks at Bible verses we know by heart but may not know the people, places, and times that give them meaning.

Rev. Scott delves into these well-known Scripture verses, exploring their true meanings by examining them in their original biblical context. Through this process, he unveils fresh and enlightening interpretations.



Books are on the office credenza. We’ll meet in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom.

Youth News

“Youth Summit” Retreat

All youth in grades 6–12 are invited to join us for our beginning-of-the-year retreat at West River Retreat Center, Friday–Saturday, October 4–5!

Any questions? Contact Oliver Page, our director of Youth Ministry at opage@woodschurch.org.

Children's News

Fifth Sunday Fun!

This Sunday, September 29, let's see your outfit for traveling to a fun location! Are you heading to the beach? Are you going to a Ravens, Commanders, or Steelers game? Come DRESSED for the trip to a great DESTINATION!

Families are invited to be BOLD and CREATIVE as we plan for the coming activities of Children's Ministries. We are going to drum up some fun...with drumsticks for our first 50 friends. Fried chicken will be provided. Bring a side dish to share and your own drinks/utensils for a picnic on the playground. Let's plan some fun for everyone!

Fall Costume Party and Parade

Join us on Friday, October 18, 4:30–6PM, at Boone Station to meet the Rev. J.C. Austin, our new pastor. Break out your Halloween costume, play games, listen to music, and be part of the costume parade for SunRise assisted living at 5:30PM.

Non-perishable food donation for SPAN is welcome.

Sunday School Offering

We are collecting new or gently used coats (please make sure they are clean) of all sizes to benefit HOPE for All, a Woods Church mission partner. Donations may be dropped off through Sunday, October 20. Look for a bin in the Sunday School wing to place your items.

Continue the Conversation at Home

Let's Continue the Conversation at Home from Sunday morning. We were talking about teachers. Jesus was a teacher! A friend at the children's moment reminded us that we are ALL teachers. How we live teaches others about God.

There are so many men and women in the Bible who are leaders and teachers. One is Hagar. We do not often hear about Hagar, but she was a slave. She had a baby Ishmael with Abraham. THEN she was sent away into the desert. The good news is that she was free, but who was going to teach her about how to be free? She needed food and water. She cried out for help and God heard her. God made a promise to Hagar, and God kept that promise.

That reminds me of a book by Caryn Rivadeneira called Gritty and Graceful. It has 15 stories of inspiring women leaders and teachers in the Bible. These women were all on journeys. God helped them to be prepared for those journeys.

I wonder, what are some of the journeys you take? How do you get prepared for them? This Sunday, is a FIFTH Sunday. Let's dress up like we are going on a trip or journey! I will see you in church!

Music News

All Hallow’s Eve Organ Concert

On Tuesday October 29, 7PM, join organist Roderick Demmings, Jr., as he presents a free All Hallow’s Eve organ concert. His performance will include works by Bach, Buxtehude, Massenet, and Boëllmann, Brahms, as well as readings by Edgar Allen Poe and Charles Dickens. It’s sure to be spooktacular!

A love offering will be collected to support Indigenous music throughout the year! This concert is sure to be Spooktacular! For more information please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Woods church will be presenting the musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, March 28–30 & April 4–6 . And auditions are just around the corner! Come join us on this exciting adventure! What makes a monster and what makes a man? Step into the heart of Paris and experience the powerful tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This evocative musical, inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the acclaimed Disney animated film, brings to life the story of love, acceptance, and heroism set against the backdrop of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Join us as we follow Quasimodo, the gentle bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his journey to find acceptance and love in a world that shuns him. Alongside the courageous Esmeralda and the conflicted Claude Frollo, the story unfolds with themes of compassion, justice, the resilience of the human spirit and finding your sanctuary.

Auditions November 3 and 4

Go to wmpcauditions.com for more information and to sign up for an audition slot.

Behind The Scenes Help

Interested in helping behind the scenes with the show? We would love too have you! Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Opus 3: An Evening of Debuts

Join us for an exciting evening of music on Saturday, November 9, 7PM! The evening will feature newly composed works and performances by classical guitarist Alec Green, renowned pianists Jung-hoon Park, and Roderick Demmings, Jr., and original choreography by Elysia Dance Theater. This is a free concert with all donations going to support our Woods Church music department. Come and experience these premiere performances and compositions!

For more information, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. This event also will be available via livestream.

Share Your Musical Gifts

Children's Choir | Grades 1–5

Rehearsals are on Sundays, 12:15–12:45PM, in the Choir Room. Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome! Send questions David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Children's Choir | Grades 1–5

Rehearsals are on Sundays, 12:15–12:45PM, in the Choir Room. Wahoo! Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome! And yes, we have candy!

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on down! Any youth in grades 6–12, is welcome to join our SEEK Band. We regularly offer music for worship, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities. Rehearsal are on Sundays, 1–2PM.

Praise Band

The Praise Band is looking for new members. If you like to sing or play an instrument—and have a love of contemporary music—reach out to Sarah Kent at skent@woodschurch.org.

Mission News

Yarn Requested for the Guatemala Partnership Trip

There is a request being made for yarn to be taken to Guatemala for the women who create beautiful scarves for their prayer shawl ministry. The yarn will be taken by the Presbytery of Baltimore group traveling there, November 2–9. This will include visits to the Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA) programs that support women and families. There is a box in the church office for dropping off your yarn over the next few weeks. Please donate what you can.

For questions contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412 or Sher Atkinson at 410.647.4824.

Counseling & Care Center Offerings

Spirituality for the 21st Century

On Monday, September 23, 4:30PM, Bill Hocking will present a TED talk by theologian and author, Joan Chittister, on growth as a result of struggle; sharing wisdom gained through personal struggle.

Seminars are held every other Monday through December 2, at the Counseling & Care Center in the Large Group Room, as well as on the third Saturday of every month, 10AM, on Zoom.

A complete schedule and summary of presenters' topics will be available at the Welcome Desk. For further information, email Nancy Sullivan at nsullivan@woodschurch.org.

Group Spiritual Direction

Join Bill Daniel in the Woods Counseling & Care Center’s Large Group Room on Monday, September 30, 4:30PM, to learn more about Spiritual Direction with small groups.

This class will offer spiritual direction with intentional action to turn to God. Each member will share an experience, while all prayerfully consider where God is in the situation. Each participant acts as a spiritual guide to the presenter.

Each group will consist of four participants and will practice confidentiality. Groups will meet monthly for six months and have the opportunity to continue to meet on their own after the end of your initial six months with your facilitator.

For more information, please email Bill Daniel at bdfable@gmail.com.

A Moment of Prayer

God, you are the source of all truth and understanding;

Draw near to us as we pray.

 Teach us your wisdom from above,

 that we may bear good fruit in our lives.

 Root us beside the streams of your Word,

 that the green leaves of our hearts may flourish,

and we may bear the fruit of your grace from our lives and ministry.

Amen.