Messenger | August 12, 2026
Messenger is here!
August 12, 2026
This week's release at a glance:
- Pastor’s Message
- Save the Date for Our Woods Family Picnic
- Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church
- Sing with Our Family Summer Choir
- Americana 250: A Pianorama
- Youth Fro-Yo Socials
- Confirmation Class Sign-ups
- Rainboot Collection
- Fall Costume Party & Parade
- Woman’s Priscilla Circle Bible Study
- Support Sancti Spíritus
- Woods Softball Game vs. SP United Methodist
- Tech Volunteers Needed
- Lost & Found
Pastor's Message
Friends, this Sunday will feature a special opportunity that I hope you will make a special effort to experience. This Sunday, we will have several people who were part of this year’s WoodsWork program in Richmond, Virginia, reflect in worship on their time earlier in the summer. If you are new to Woods, WoodsWork is an extraordinary part of our youth ministries in which around 100 youth participants and adult advisors spend a week building houses in partnership with a local Habitat for Humanity chapter. In the process, they also build strong relationships and community with one another, and build up their faith together.
At this point, WoodsWork has been doing this ministry for about 40 years, and I have to tell you, it’s hard to overstate the impact it has had and continues to have on the faith and life of young people here in Severna Park, as well as the transformative experience of the families that they have helped find not simply shelter, but the chance to make a home that truly belongs to them. As I continue to meet people in and around Severna Park, I marvel at how many of them are only one or two “degrees of separation” from WoodsWork. Either they were once a part of it, or their children were, or their neighbors were, or they simply know about it and make a point to support it at the car wash each year. And as pastor of Woods, it has been a particular joy for me to be invited to join meetings with the leadership committee, and this year to even get to visit for a day while they were in Richmond. I am amazed by the commitment and faithfulness of the youth leaders and the adult advisors in terms of the time and energy they give to planning the logistics, worship, reflection time, and construction work for almost a year before actually going on the trip.
So, I hope to be with you in the Sanctuary or online this Sunday, because I can tell you that you will not want to miss what they have to share with you!
Peace and blessings,
—Pastor JC
Church News
Save the Date for Woods Family Picnic
Mark your calendars now for our Woods Family Picnic on Sunday, September 13! More information to come!
Family Summer Choir
Are you around over the summer and interested in singing? Then come on by and sing with us! The Family Summer Choir will be singing on Sundays, August 16 & 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!
Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church
Save the date, Sunday, August 30, 11AM, for a learning opportunity with our own Kat Green, titled Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Local Church.
A more just, faithful, and compassionate church and world will seek to include typical and atypical neurodiverse folks. As understanding evolves in the educational and social systems of our world, the church must evolve and transform the ways diversity is welcomed, embraced, and included in the life of the church and the mission of church. How will we nurture communities of faith and equip leadership in ways that are accessible and meaningful for post global pandemic traumatized demographic?
This class is for adults and interested youth.
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.
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.
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.
Children's News
Summer Sunday School is Doing a New Thing!
Join us for immersive Bible story experiences each Sunday this summer!
- August 16 – Traditional Sunday School class led by Ms. Marsha and Ms. Gale
- August 23 – Outdoor Play
- August 30 – Computers & Games
- September 6 – Labor Day Weekend Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
Going into fall, the first Sunday of each month will continue to be our Story & Stretch class for Pre-K through 2nd grade in Founders Room (3rd through 5th grades also are welcome!). The third Sunday of each month will be Computers & Games for 1st and 2nd grades!
Mission News
Support Sancti Spíritus
Cuba is currently experiencing chronic energy, food and fuel shortages with rolling blackouts for anywhere between a few hours to up to 70 hours. The country imports 66% of its total energy supply, leaving limited domestic sources and infrastructure to support more than 10 million people. Our partner church in Cuba, Sancti Spíritus, is experiencing all these shortages: electricity blackouts, food, medicines, and fuel.
Woods Church is participating with two other churches: Graceway in Florida and First Presbyterian in Springfield, Illinois, in sending supplies of medicines and food. Please continue to pray for this faithful congregation and the whole country of Cuba.
If you would like to support this service and outreach initiative, Woods is planning a trip to Sancti Spíritus, January 4–11. For more information, please contact Marty Clayton at martyclayton1973@gmail.com or Delia Edelmann at dedelmann@gmail.com.
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.
In Our Community
Woods Softball Game vs. SP United Methdodist
There are just a few games left in our co-ed softball season! This Sunday, August 16, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Severna Park United Methodist Church at Cypress #1.
No experience is required and you already made the team! You must bring a smile, and be at least 16 years of age by December 31. No full-time commitment is necessary.
No experience is required and you already made the team! You must be at least 16 years of age by December 31. No full-time commitment is necessary.
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
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!
