Messenger is here!

February 11, 2026

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• New Members Class, February 15
• Join Us at Our Pancake Supper & Dinner Church, February 17
• Coffeehouse Concert, February 28
• Souper Bowl of Caring Thank You
• The Prince of Egypt Tickets
• Prince of Egypt Family Movie Night
• Adult Mission Trip, April 20–25
• Children’s Ministry Lenten Activities
• Summer Activities for Kids
• Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026
• New Adult Ed Series
• Weekly Bible Study
• Opportunities to Serve During Lent
• Prayers for the Family of Jacqui Stone
  

Pastor's Message

It may be hard to believe, but the season of Lent is just around the corner! Ash Wednesday is next week, so I want to highlight some important offerings next week to help us begin Lent, and then reflect for a moment on what it means to observe Lent in a meaningful way.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent, and this year it is observed on Wednesday, February 18. The day before Ash Wednesday is known by different names depending on the cultural context: Mardi Gras in France and therefore famously in New Orleans; Shrove Tuesday in Britain and therefore among many Episcopalians; and even Fasnacht Day in Germany and among the Pennsylvania Dutch, which I learned from my years in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. What they all have in common is a celebration on the Tuesday evening before Ash Wednesday in which rich foods are served that use up indulgent ingredients like eggs, sugar, and fat (Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday”) in tasty treats before traditionally abstaining from such things during Lent. So, Mardi Gras has its king cakes: Fasnacht Day is literally named for the German donuts that are made and enjoyed on it; and pancakes are a tradition for Shrove Tuesday.

Here at Woods, we have a tradition of a Pancake Dinner provided by the youth of the church, which we will have once again on Tuesday, February 17, starting at 5PM. This year, we will be including a Dinner Church component with the Pancake Dinner, though! So, we will begin serving pancakes at 5PM; worship will begin around 5:45PM, led by Oliver Page and the youth of the church; and worship will conclude around 6:15PM for us to continue enjoying food and fellowship afterwards. This will be a delightful evening on many levels, and you won’t want to miss it!

For Ash Wednesday, February 18, we will have a traditional Service of Imposition of Ashes at both 12PM and 6:30PM. Please note the slightly earlier start time for the evening Ash Wednesday service from recent years! Ashes, as you may know, are a traditional sign of repentance, both in Christianity and in other traditions: they represent sorrow for what one has done (or failed to do), and a determination to turn in a new direction and leave one’s sins and shortcomings behind. They also represent our own mortality, a recognition that our time on this Earth is not infinite, and how we use the time we have thus matters a great deal. It is a powerful and moving experience, and I encourage you to make the time and space to attend a service.

But whether you are able to attend any of these offerings or not, I encourage you to make a commitment to observe a meaningful Lent, and to do so not by giving something up, but by taking something on. Traditionally, Presbyterians have not observed Lent as a time of personal deprivation (i.e., giving up chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, etc.), but of personal discipline, meaning taking on additional or more intentional spiritual practices like prayer, reading Scripture, acts of service, or increased giving. This actually goes back to the origins of Lent, which was developed after Christianity was unbanned and legitimized by the Roman Empire and the church needed a means to prepare the sudden surge of people interested in Christianity to receive the sacrament of Baptism. Their answer was Lent: a 40-day period of intensive study, worship, and preparation to be baptized on Easter.

So, Lent at its heart is about repentance in its truest sense, its baptismal sense: turning away from evil and sin, turning towards Jesus Christ and then following him in our lives of faith. With that in mind, let us remember our baptisms this Lent; remember that God’s grace has claimed us and called us by name, and nothing in heaven or earth can separate us from that. And in doing so, we can also claim our baptisms once more and rededicate ourselves to responding to God’s grace intentionally and actively and with gratitude.

Grace and peace,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Join Us at Our Pancake Supper & Dinner Church

Next Tuesday, February 17, is our annual Pancake Supper, hosted by our Youth and Children's Ministries! Pancakes will be served from 5–6:30PM, and this year, we also are hosting a Dinner Church as part of the evening! Worship will begin at 5:45PM, and there will be Lenten crafts for children beginning at 5PM as well. Join us on Tuesday for food, fellowship, and worship!Our dearly loved Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds will retire from both Woods Church and pastoral ministry this February. In countless ways through her pastoral care, preaching, and leadership, she has helped guide, nurture, and support our congregation and the larger community. We are planning events in Nancy’s honor on the weekend of February 7 and 8.

New Date for New Members Class

We would love for your to join our family! Our next new members class, which was scheduled for Sunday, February 1, will now be held on Sunday, February 15, 10:45AM, in Founders Room.

If you have questions or would like to RSVP, contact Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Thank You For Supporting Our Souper Bowl of Caring

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday. We are so excited to announce that we collected a total of $1,047 and 107 individual food items for SPAN! The Seahawks may have won the big game, but “Team Nancy” was the big winner for both monetary and food donations!



Thank you to everyone who played their part to fight hunger in our community—and across the country!

The Prince of Egypt Tickets Are Now Available

On March 13–15 & 19–21, 7:30PM, & Saturdays, March 14 & 21, 2PM, Woods Church will present The Prince of Egypt, a sweeping, epic musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, with a book by Philip LaZebnik. This powerful story follows two brothers—one destined to rule as Pharaoh, the other called to rise up and free his true people. Both must confront a destiny that will change history forever.

The cost is $20 per ticket.

Important Notes:

• Due to the inability to fully blackout all windows in the performance area, matinee performances will have ambient sunlight entering the space.
• This production includes strobe lighting effects, loud noises, and scenes depicting fighting and stage combat.
• This show depicts intense situation and thematic elements adapted from the book of Exodus. While children are welcome to attend, parental guidance is suggested.

Prince of Egypt Family Movie Night

We are excited to announce our Prince of Egypt Movie Night on Friday, February 13, 7PM. We will be having a potluck dinner and viewing of the DreamWorks version of Prince of Egypt. Dinner begins at 5:30PM in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the movie in the Sanctuary at 7PM. Feel free to come for all or just part of this fun gathering. This event is free to all, but we ask that you consider contributing a dish/snack/dessert to share. The church will provide pizza.

Click here to RSVP. We are looking forward to seeing you there, if you have any questions please email Alyssa Barlis at performingarts@woodschurch.org.

Save the Date: Adult Mission Trip

Woods adults are welcome to join us on a Mission Trip, Monday–Saturday, April 20–25. We will travel to Richmond, Virginia, and work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate. We are looking for 10+ volunteers.

Click the button below to download an informational flyer. Contact Tom Lerario at txlerario@gmail.com or Scott Rundle at srundle69@gmail.com with questions and/or to sign up.

Youth News

Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026

WoodsWork 2026 will be held June 22–30. We are still finalizing our location, but we are hoping to open registration by the end of the year! Download the flyer for more details.

Children's News

Lent Shadowbox Storytelling Kits

Families, let’s gather during the Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 17, 5–6:30PM, to enjoy pancakes and get ready for Lent! Each family will be invited to make a “Lent Shadowbox Storytelling Kit” to take home and retell the stories from Sunday Worship each week. Similar to the Advent Nativity Story Kit, families will create the pieces from the stories of the season. Additional supplies and a storytelling booklet will be provided.

Sunday Kindness Crossroads

Kindness Connection for Lent is back with Kindness Crossroads. Find Ms. Kat at the Sunday School crossroads, lower level, following the 9:30AM service to make your Kindness Connection at the crossroad of Sunday’s stories and your week. You can make a path from Ash Wednesday to Easter—because Kindness Connections count!

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.

Everyone is Welcome in Worship at Woods

Sometimes little ears are sensory sensitive. Therefore, the Children’s Ministry has noise dampening headphones available on Sunday mornings. See Kat or Lindsey to sign out a set of headphones. Return them after the service. The headphones are cleaned after each use and ear guards will be changed.

This is one way that Woods Church works to be inclusive of all from the tall to the small!

Education & Small Groups

More Than Time: Measuring Days in Wisdom

“Teach us O’ Lord to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”—Psalm 90:12

NOT a class about time management, NOT a class about New Year’s Resolutions...

• What is a “heart of wisdom?”
• What is the role and purpose of time in God’s creation?
• The difference between a busier life & a better life
• How does a person measure their life?

Led by David Lohff, whose eclectic journey as a pastor, hospice chaplain, business owner, and fitness instructor may be helpful to point out scenery as we observe life together.

Join us on Sundays through February 15, 11AM, in Room 208 and on Zoom.

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds 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.

Mission News

Opportunities to Serve During Lent

During the season of Lent, our Missions Ministry is encouraging you to serve our local and international communities in two ways.

• Serving People Across Neighborhoods (SPAN): Continue to fight hunger during Lent by stopping by the Missions Table behind the Welcome Desk on Sundays, February 22–March 22, and pick up a blue SPAN bag with an attached list of needed items. Fill and return your blue SPAN bag on or any time before 3/22/26. The attached list also has a QR-code to order from Amazon and ship directly to SPAN. Thank you for your continued support of SPAN!

• Cuba UPDATE: Please pray deeply for the people of Cuba during this Lenten season. Unfortunately, the planned Mission Trip to Cuba has been canceled due to a severe fuel crisis that has led to the suspension of international flights. As a result, Cuba will no longer be receiving the much-needed supplies that were to be delivered during this trip.
  

Church Family News

Prayers for the Family of Jacqui Stone

It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Jacqui Stone. Jacqui was been a member of Woods Church since 1987 and served as an Elder, a deacon, and a Sunday greeter.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email.

Please keep Jacqui’s husband, Jim, and all of their family and friends in your prayers.