Messenger | July 2, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• WoodsWork Recap
• Charlie Phelps Celebrates 107th Birthday
• Prayers for Our Woods Malawi Mission Team
• We’re Looking for a Part-Time Organist/Pianist
• Seeking Medical Professionals
• Trip to Visit Our Cuban Partners
• VBS Registration: Be Counted
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Softball Game vs. Heritage Church
• Prayers for the Family of Helen Huffard
  

Pastor's Message

As we approach the Fourth of July this week we must do so with gratitude for the freedoms we have in our country. At the same time we, as Christians, additionally recognize that among those freedoms is our ability to choose religious belief and practice. Christians consider freedom as a gift that lets us serve God as we are called to do so. The responsibility connected to that freedom means that we are to "use our freedom to live in accordance with God's will and to be a positive influence in the world."

This responsibility is significant as we navigate the opportunities and the challenges that come our way. As Pastor JC named in this past Sunday's sermon, we must persist in our focus upon Jesus Christ and what he requires and models for us as we seek to follow him faithfully in our own journeys.

This next Sunday we will be considering what it means to model Christ in our living....to be mindful not just of our beliefs but of how we commit to Christ's ways and put those beliefs into action.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."—Psalm 33: 12

Grace and peace,

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

WoodsWork Recap

WoodsWork 2025 was a big success! We built 3 houses for the community of Nelsonville, Ohio, and made some incredible memories along the way. It was so special to see all 91 high schoolers on the trip practice being the hands and feet of God in the world. Thanks so much to everyone who supported us this year!

Prayers for Our Woods Malawi Mission Team

Join us in offering prayers to our Woods Mission Team that’s traveling to Malawi, July 7–22: Kathy Lohff, Cathy Hess, Scott Rundle, Andy Hilder, and Alli Hilder.

The Birthday Boy

Family, friends, and fellow Rehabbers joyfully celebrated Charlie Phelps’ 107th Birthday on June 27, at his home in Severna Park. As you can see from the photograph, Charlie looks 75 at most!

For Charlie, longevity is all about nutrition! Fruits, vegetables, no sugar, and few carbs (except on his birthdays) are the staples of his diet. Among Charlie's many achievements, and they are legion, he inspired generations of us to eat healthier.

If you would like to leave a congratulatory note to the Birthday Boy at the church office, we will make sure it is delivered.

Thanks be to God for this wonderful man, a faithful and loving disciple.

And a big thank you goes out to Thomas Shade for making signs.

Woods Seeks Custodian

Woods is seeking a part-time custodian to work Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The position description includes hours and required tasks. Interested candidates should contact Jason Jackson at jjackson@woodschurch.org.



Woods Church is Seeking Medical Professionals

Woods is looking for members who are either physicians, physician's assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, anyone in the medical field, who would be willing to note their presence in a particular worship service or church event (musical production, etc.)—in the event there is a medical emergency—and would be able to help assist until the EMTs arrive.

Email Jason Jackson at jjackson@woodschurch.org for more information.

Mission News

Trip to Visit Our Cuban Partners

A trip is being planned by Baltimore Presbytery to central Cuba for November 4–10. This will be an opportunity to meet our Presbyterian brothers and sisters from several churches in El Centro Presbytery, as well as spend time with our friends at Sancti Spíritus.

Our plans are time-sensitive, as visa information will be needed by July 15. Please contact Marty Clayton at mclayton@breezeline.net for more details.

Children's News

Summer Sunday School

Our Kindness Connection this week is sharing everything. The book of Acts tells us that the people who love God and follow Jesus responded to the Holy Spirit by sharing everything. We did charades on how we share things in worship: passing the peace, inviting someone to come to church with you, playing a musical instrument. We put some food into the SPAN donation box! Then we talked about ways of sharing. What Kindness Connection will you make this week? I wonder what sharing looks like for you and your family.

This week, Summer Sunday School continues with our “one-room schoolhouse” approach to learning about living as God’s people. The nursery is open for birth to 2 years old. This week is Communion, so we will return to worship for the sacrament. “The gifts of God, for the people of God,” is one way that the congregation is invited to the table. What an amazing way of remembering that we are all beloved children of God.

Kids’ Church Club

All kids are welcome to join us on Sundays, 11AM–12PM for Kids’ Church Club!

We’re reading books about “welcome” this week. How big is your umbrella? Who will fit under it? Outside creation celebration, on the playground, is an option if it is not too hot or rainy. Parents, pick up your kids at noon in Room 155.

There’s a place for you at Woods Church! Join us!

Get Ready for VBS

Sign up for Vacation Bible Study! Learn along with your Woods Church friends and family. We will play and pray with music, games/activities, service, art, and worship as we learn about building up our community and ourselves with Micah 6:8.

VBS Supper Club is open to all friends and family. Stop by after work and leave the dishes to us! Register on the Woods Church webpage.

Monday–Thursday, July 14–17, VBS and VBS Supper Club is where all the children of God are gathering!

Education & Small Groups

Pastors’ Bible Study

Lead Pastor J.C. Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds offer a weekly Bible Study on Wednesdays, 12PM, 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.

In Our Community

Game Day vs. Heritage Church

Game On! This Sunday, July 6, 2PM, we’re taking the field against Heritage Church at Elvaton #1.



No experience 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.

If you are interested, contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

Church Family News

Prayers for the Family of Helen Huffard

Please keep Dr. Bill Huffard, and family, in your prayers on the death of his wife, Helen.

The Huffards were beloved members of Woods Church for many years and as a veterinarian in the area, brought baby lambs and a pony for Woods first Palm Sunday parade.

If you would like to send a bereavement card to Bill Huffard, please contact the church office for the mailing address.

A Moment of Prayer

Lord, help me to be mindful of the burdens that my friends, family, and neighbors may be carrying. Give me the compassion and empathy to reach out and lend a helping hand, just as you have lovingly extended your grace to me. Help me to test my own actions

Lord God, help me to examine my own life and actions regularly. Show me where I may be falling short of your glory, and grant me the courage to make necessary changes with your guidance.

Your word encourages us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Lord, there are times when I feel discouraged or tired in my efforts to live according to your will. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may persevere in doing good, knowing that you have a plan and purpose for my life.

Finally, I ask that you help me to boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the message of the cross always be at the forefront of my heart and mind, reminding me of your sacrificial love and the forgiveness and redemption I have through your Son, Jesus Christ.

(Taken in part from Pastor Rich Bitterman)