Messenger is here!

September 9, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Join Us at Our Woods Family Picnic
• 2026 Holiday Bazaar Donations Needed
• New Members Class, September 20
• Americana 250: A Pianorama
• Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Woods is Offering a Drop-In Program
• Confirmation Class Sign-ups
• Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul encourages us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). It’s an important instruction, because there are times when we are tempted to do one at the expense of the other: to try and shut out grief in the name of “being positive,” or to feel like we can’t celebrate good things in our life because of difficult things that others are going through. So this week I want to encourage us to follow Paul’s advice in a few particular ways.

The first relates to “weeping with those who weep.” This Friday is the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks; there is a whole generation now that does not remember that day, but these milestones can be difficult for many of us, and especially those who were directly affected in one way or another.

I was a pastor serving a congregation in Manhattan that day that had many members who were in the Towers when the planes hit. Thankfully, most of them escaped unharmed, but I know how even being one or two steps removed from that day can be a heavy burden to carry at times. And, of course, all of us who remember that day have been indelibly marked by the common trauma of experiencing it as a nation, regardless of how near or far we were from the actual attacks.

If you find yourself struggling around this anniversary, I want to encourage you to consider two things. First, the Woods Sanctuary will be open and reserved for private prayer and contemplation throughout the day on September 11; consider coming in for a time of praying for those most impacted by the attacks and for our nation as we continue to be affected by them. And second, if it would be helpful, call the Church Office and ask for a pastor or Stephen Minister to give you a call, or email myself (JAustin@WoodsChurch.org) or Pastor Ashley (ABrown@WoodsChurch.org); we are happy to connect with you to talk and pray.

The second is about “rejoicing with those who rejoice.” This Sunday, September 13, we will have a “Woods Family Picnic” after the 9:30AM worship service, as a time of fellowship and celebration with the start of a new church program year. There will be refreshments and activities for all ages; this will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another, but also to invite friends or neighbors who might find Woods to be the faith community they’ve been looking for (or didn’t know they wanted!).

Lastly, we are beginning a fall sermon series this Sunday titled, Being Human in an AI Age, and each week we will look at a different theme or issue from the debates swirling around the rapid growth and adoption of Artificial Intelligence in general and “large language model” chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude particular. This coming Sunday, we will begin with exploring the increasing problem of social isolation, what authentic community really means, and the calling of the church in the midst of it all.

Let us follow the wisdom and encouragement of Paul in the week ahead, and remember that Christ is walking with us through it all!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Join Us at Our Woods Family Picnic This Sunday

We hope you plan on joining us at our Woods Family Picnic this 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.

2026 Bazaar Sweet Shop Donations Needed

We need ingredients to create the magnificent, sweet treats we offer at our annual Holiday Bazaar. Please look for our table on Sundays, September 13 or 20, and sign up to purchase items specifically needed. Return everything to the church by Sunday, October 11, and plan on coming to the Bazaar on Saturday, November 21, to purchase the wonderful candies created from your donations.

Text Sue Hannahs at 443-871-0579 with any questions

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!

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

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 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.

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. 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

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!