Messenger is here!

April 22, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Ministry of Belonging Lunch & Learn
• Spring Senior Dinner
• A Night on Broadway
• A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
• Open Dance Classes
• Children’s Winter Clothing Collection
• Ministry of Belonging Youth Workshop
• High School Bible Study
• Summer Activities for Kids
• New Adult Ed Class: Reading & Feeding
• Softball Season’s Opening Week
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

The Marvel Cinematic Universe, which you may know is a collection of interconnected movies about classic comic book heroes (Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman, etc.), did not invent the “post-credits scene,” but it certainly popularized the practice. A post-credits scene is what it sounds like: a single scene that comes at the very end of the movie, after all the credits for the movie’s cast and production have rolled past. Marvel began doing it as teaser for upcoming movies, for revealing characters that will be important in those coming movies, or to unveil a final surprising plot twist that suggests there is a whole new direction in which the story you’ve just seen will go next.

This week, our sermon series on the theme of “living bread” will focus on a story that feels a bit like a post-credits scene for the gospel of Luke: the road to Emmaus. It’s a wonderful scene that is unique to Luke’s gospel, in which two disciples are walking dejectedly on the road that leads from Jerusalem to the small village of Emmaus several miles away. They are grieving Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and they themselves believe that, as a result, Jesus’ story is over.

That’s when they experience the surprising plot twist that suggests there is a whole new direction for the story they thought just ended: the resurrected Jesus joins them on the road. They don’t realize it at first; Jesus asks what they are talking about, and they tell Jesus his own story back to him about his ministry, arrest, and execution. He then explains how Scripture foretold all of this happening, as well as it being necessary for him to then “enter his glory.” The disciples are fascinated by this conversation, but still don’t recognize Jesus; nevertheless, they invite him to stay with him, as night was coming, and they sit down to share a meal. And once Jesus blesses, breaks, and share bread with them, they finally recognize who he is, and then he leaves them.

They are so excited by this shocking revelation that they leap up from the table and run back to Jerusalem, retracing their earlier sad steps in the opposite direction, but this time with wonder and joy. And when they get back to Jerusalem, they hear that others have had similar encounters with the risen Lord. And they all begin to realize that not only is the story not over, but a whole new and exciting chapter has begun.

This Sunday, we’re going to consider how this story helps us understand our story as a congregation in this moment, and consider what new and exciting chapter Jesus may be leading us into, as well. I hope you can join in person or online and be a part of those reflections!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Ministry of Belonging Lunch & Learn

Adult Education is sponsoring the Ministry of Belonging Lunch & Learn on Sunday, April 26, 12:30–1:30PM. In tandem with the youth workshop on Saturday, Dr. Sarah Leer will help us to learn about how to become a more welcoming community, particularly with people of LGBTQ+ identities.

If you have questions but don’t know who or how to ask, or are wondering about the best way to support all of God’s children, you are welcome to join us for lunch and discussion in the Founders Room.

This is a free session, but we are requesting that you register for meal planning purposes.

Celebrate America’s 250th at Our Spring Senior Dinner

The Deacons of Woods Church invite all who are 70 years and older to a Spring Fellowship Dinner on Friday, May 15, 5:30–7:30PM, in Fellowship Hall, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday! Entertainment will be provided by Woods’ own Myra Dennis and Geoff Wood as members of the First Maryland Regiment 18th Century Living History organization.

Come to see and learn about life during the 18th century while enjoying great food and fellowship. Patriotic attire is encouraged!

Please RSVP by emailing madams@woodschurch.org or by calling 410.647.2550.

A Night on Broadway

Join us Saturday, May 23, 5:30PM, for an exciting evening of music and fine dining! Over a delicious Italian dinner, we will enjoy performances by local, talented musical theaters singers: sopranos Sarah Kent and Jenna Augustine; and tenors Dillon McCarrick, Lucas White, and David Merrill. Together, they will serenade us with popular musical theater songs, and classical favorites. And this year, special guest appearances by local musical theater dancers: Matthew Walter, Brayden McDowell, Summer Moore, Jacob Hahn, and Meridian Toalepai.

Dinner Menu: Pasta, salad, New York cheesecake. (catered from local Squisito Pizza and Pasta). Gluten-free options will be available.

• Doors open at 5:30PM
• Dinner begins at 6PM
• Performance starts at 6:30PM

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.woodstix.org. For questions, please email Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.

A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert

Join us for our spring concert, A Tapestry of Music, featuring American composers and the greats that influenced them on Saturday, June 6, 7PM.

Come and hear music by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, J.S. Bach, L. Beethoven, J. Brahms and more—it’s a concert truly interwoven through time! Performers include the Woods Church Adult Choir, Elysian Dancers, vocal and instrumental soloists, and a special piano solo by Jung-hoon Park.

The concert is free, but a ticket is required. Please register at www.woodstix.org. For additional information or questions, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Open Dance Classes

Join our Worship Ministry for a series of free dance classes this spring! Professional teachers are offering a variety of dance styles, including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more!

Classes are open to anyone ages 12 and up in and outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes are taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

Our first class is on Sunday, April 12, 2–3:15PM,in Fellowship Hall. Please note that there is no dance class on April 19.

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

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.

Children’s Winter Clothing Collection

Spring is here! It's time to switch over wardrobes to summer clothing. As you pack up your cold weather clothes, please consider donating any outgrown children's clothing sizes T2 to Youth 10. We're collecting winter clothing and coats through April 26 to be sold at the Bazaar next fall. Look for the big blue bin in the main lobby. All proceeds benefit the mission partners of Woods!

Youth News

Ministry of Belonging Workshop

Youth grades 8–12 are invited to join us on Saturday, April 25, 10AM–1PM, for an insightful and meaningful workshop with Dr. Sarah Leer. The goal of the workshop will be to explore what it means to cultivate a truly open and accepting space, with a focus on queer identities. We will spend time learning about various identities and the corresponding appropriate terms, take a look at how the Bible encourages us to not just tolerate others, but to love them, and explore the practicalities of how to make a space intentionally open and welcoming to all people.

Children's News

Summer Day Camps for Kids

This year, Woods will be offering more than one camp. You will select which camps your child(ren) would like to attend from the additional items selection. Please remember to print out the the attached below form(s) for the camp(s) you will be attending.

Register online and keep reading for more information on the programs that are available.

Art & the Bible

I Am Who I Am: God in Scripture and the Arts

From Monday–Friday June 6–10, children in K–grade 5 will participate in an innovative approach to Bible study to explore biblical images and names of God through the Bible, paired with their creativity and artistic expression. An Art Reception will take place Friday at 2:30PM, sharing the children's work with their friends and family.

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by the Center for Excellence in Christian Education, Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Vacation Bible Study Day Camp

Be Strong and Courageous | Joshua 1:9

This year’s VBS program will take place Monday–Friday, July 13–17. Children in grades K–grade 5 will learn how God helps us to be strong and courageous. How does God encourage us? How is God with us? We will explore the sights, sounds, feels, and joys of Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” What does this look like in our community, in our times?

The week-long day camp will include two snacks; participants will bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. The cost is $425/child. Scholarships are available. Registration is limited.

Questions? Please contact our Children's Ministry at children@woodschurch.org.

The program was developed by Kat Green, national spokesperson for children and Biblical Literacy and Director of Children's Ministry at Woods Church.

VBS Express

During VBS week, kids 2 years old through grade 5 are welcome to join us at VBS Express from 4–6 pm. It’ll be all aboard to travel through Bible stories with songs, movement, art, and fun! You’ve got wings!

The cost is $50/child with a $100 family max. VBS Day Camp registration includes participation in VBS Express. No meal will be served, but a snack will be provided to all participants.

Education & Small Groups

Reading & Feeding: Gourmet Bible Study for the Growing Soul

Without a whit of pre-existing Bible knowledge, we invite you to learn and orient your mind and thinking to build a Biblical world view. Any Christian, regardless of experience, can be inspired for growth by God’s word.

Jesus calls the Word of God food for our souls…no matter how long you’ve been eating, you need to eat again—and perhaps have new culinary experiences.

Reading & Feeding is designed to look at Scripture with fresh eyes, ears, and hearts to receive insight for vibrant discipleship.

Join us on Sundays through May 17, 11AM, in Room 208, as we approach the Bible as a resource to feed our souls and fuel our spiritual journey. Breaking down pre-existing notions, cultural misunderstandings, and the false assumption that the portrayal of God in the Old Testament is somehow “less Biblical” than the Christian New Testament, we will explore this guiding document of the Church.

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.

Church Family News

It’s Opening Week for Our 2026 Softball Season

The Greater Severna Park Coed Church Softball League is once again entering its spring season. No experience is required and you already made the team! Qualifications include: you must bring a smile, and be at least 16 years of age by December 31. No full-time commitment is necessary.

Come check it out! Our first game will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2PM, at Cypress #1.

If you are thinking… “There’s no way I can participate... I am way out of shape...” then don't worry, you’ll fit right in! Although the GSPCCSL may sound super legit, it’s actually just a bunch of post-prime athletes working to stay young. You’ll have fun!

Interested? Contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

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.

Lost & Found

Please check the Church Office’s Lost & Found for items that you are missing. Items will sit on the counter for one week and then will be housed in the sliding cabinet under the staff mailboxes. The collection will be donated at the turn of the next season, so please check the cabinet if you are missing something!

Water bottles, jewelry, and eyeglasses often turn up—have faith!