Messenger is here!

September 3, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Sing with Our Family Summer Choir
• Save the Date for Our Woods Family Picnic
• New Members Class, September 20
• Americana 250: A Pianorama
• Youth Fro-Yo Socials
• Confirmation Class Sign-ups
• Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Prayers for the Family of Eloise Smith
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, this Sunday will be the Rev. Ashley Brown’s first Sunday with us as our new Associate Pastor! She began her ministry with us on Tuesday, and I am sure you are eager to help us welcome her here to Woods. To that end, there are a couple of different ways to do that which I want to flag for your consideration.

First, join us for worship on Sunday! We will continue to have a single service at 9:30AM on Sunday, and because it is the first Sunday of the month, it will be a Communion Sunday. What better way could there be to welcome her to our worship and community than to share in Communion together?

Second, be sure to make a nametag for yourself when you come to worship! There will be tables in the lobby and in the narthex where you can simply write your nametag and put it on. This is a simple but very powerful ministry of welcome and hospitality, not only to Ashley but to anyone who is a newcomer and, indeed, many folks who have been around Woods for a long time but are better with faces than with names. The Welcome and Worship Committees have discussed this and are asking that we follow the lead of many other growing churches and do this on a weekly basis from now on, but we are starting this week specifically to welcome Ashley. Thank you in advance for joining in to help us make Woods an even more welcoming community.

Third, stick around for a special Fellowship Hour after the worship service! The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has been organizing some special treats to enjoy together while giving you a chance to connect with Ashley one-on-one after worship. This will also just be a chance to celebrate her arrival together as a community, and I hope you’ll make a special effort to be part of it.

Lastly, plan to attend one of the “meet-and-greet” gatherings being organized by the APNC. These will be hosted by individuals, couples, and families in their homes, each with 12-15 participants, and will give you a better chance to get to know Ashley, ask her questions, and give her feedback on her own questions about Woods’ past, present, and future. These will be coming together over the next few months, so there will be multiple opportunities to participate. So, if you are invited to take part in one, please say yes, and if you want to make sure you get to be a part of one, please email Karen Lerario, the chair of the APNC, at apnc@woodschurch.org and let her know of your interest, and you will be offered a few options of when and where to attend a gathering.

I continue to be so grateful to the APNC for their hard and excellent work in the whole call process and in welcoming Ashley to Woods, and to Ashley for saying yes and joining us for this new chapter of ministry in Woods’ life!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Family Summer Choir

Come on by and sing with our Family Summer Choir this Sunday, September 6. We will meet at 8:45AM in the Sanctuary Choir Loft and learn the piece that morning. Not to worry all, the tunes are recognizable, and a quick learn!

If you have any questions, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. Looking forward to hearing you sing!

Save the Date for Woods Family Picnic

Mark your calendars now for our Woods Family Picnic on Sunday, September 13!

Join Our Faith Family

Interested in learning more about membership at Woods Church? Join us for our next Members Class on Sunday, September 20, 10:45AM, in the Founders Room. Those completing the class will be presented to the congregation during worship on Sunday, September 27, 9:30AM or 11AM service.

If you have any questions, reach out to Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Americana 250: A Pianorama

On Sunday, September 20, 2PM, in the Sanctuary, join Junghoon Park for his piano recital, Americana 250: A Pianorama! Jung will play works by Bernstein, Beach, Horowitz, and Gershwin.

This concert is free and no ticket is required. A love offering will go to support the Woods Church music program. Questions? Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Youth News

Sign Up for Confirmation Class

Our annual Confirmation Class for 8th graders will meet every Sunday, 2–3PM, in Room 212, beginning on September 20 (parents are encouraged to attend our first class!). Sign up online!

Confirmation is a chance for a young person to examine and recommit themselves to their walk with Christ, to renew their baptismal vows (or get baptized!) and to join the church. In this class, you’ll learn more about your faith, what it means to be the Church, and how to share your faith with others!

**Taking the class is FREE this year, but our Fall "Youth Summit" retreat (October 17–18) and our May Confirmation Retreat (May 1–2) will each have an enrollment fee, and students are encouraged to attend as they are considered an important part of our year together.

Education & Small Groups

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and our Interim Pastoral Associate Sarah Wilson 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.

Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study

Our Bible Study starting on Tuesday, September 15, is based on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians: “Love is patient; Love is kind.” Today, Christians participating in a wedding, an ordination, or a service of the Lord’s Supper might not realize these words about love and unity were addressed to a church in conflict.

All women are invited to join us this year as we learn about Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. This Bible Study explores the letter’s setting, divisions within the congregation, and ultimately, the gifts given to all through the work of Christ. Readers will be fascinated by this journey to Corinth and will explore how Paul’s timeless message of loving unity calls Christ’s followers today.

Stop by the Priscilla Circle table in Fellowship Hall to pick up our study guide, United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other by Rhonda Mawhood Lee. Books cost $14 and and will be available on Sundays, August 9, 16, & 30.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Tuesday, September 15, 10:15AM, in Room 212 and on Zoom. For more information or to ask questions, please contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412.

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, beginning September 3, in the Choir Room. We look forward to having you with us.

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.

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.

Church Family News

Prayers for the Family of Eloise Smith

It is with profound sadness we write to inform you of the passing of beloved member, Eloise Smith, who was called home to be with her Lord on September 2, 2026.

Eloise was an active participant in the V.O.W.S and ChristCare group and will be missed dearly.

A memorial service celebrating Eloise's life will be held on Monday, September 7, 10AM, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel in Lynchburg, Virginia. Friends who are unable to travel to Lynchburg are invited to watch her service on the livestream.

During this time of remembrance, we ask that you continue to keep Eloise's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

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!