Messenger | June 11, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• WoodsWork Carwash Thank You
• A Time of Transition & Celebration
• Save the Date: Annual Holiday Bazaar
• Trip to Visit Our Cuban Partners
• Missions Support for Food in Cuba
• Children’s Sunday School
• Kids’ Church Club
• VBS Supper Club
• Register for VBS
• New Adult Education Class: The Reformation & the Republic
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Softball Game vs. College Parkway Baptist
• Prayers for the Family of Vivian Harquail
  

Pastor's Message

The next week has several notable dynamics to it that I want to highlight in my Pastor’s Message this week. First of all, Sunday is Father’s Day. Like Mother’s Day, it’s a day in which we celebrate the fathers in our lives, especially our own fathers if we are able. We give thanks for their dedication, their love, their strength and tenacity and sacrifice, and their grace in raising us. But Father’s Day is also a complicated and even difficult day for many people. For some, it is a day when grief makes a special and pronounced visit, as they remember a father who has died. For others, it is a day of particular pain because of family history or current tensions.

This Sunday, we will be touching on all of these threads in the prayers during our service. So, whatever Father’s Day brings up for you, there is a place for it in our worship this Sunday.

Second, we will be commissioning our WoodsWork youth participants and adult volunteers this Sunday during worship. They will have a specially marked off section in the Sanctuary to be able to sit together for the service and the commissioning, and they will be wearing their trip T-shirts, as is the tradition for this Sunday each year. Please make a point of offering your blessings and well-wishes to them individually, before or after our service, when you see a youth in a WoodsWork T-shirt. They will be in Ohio, hard at work from June 19–27, so remember to keep them in your prayers during that time, as well.

And finally, this Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the Congregational Meeting in which you elected me Pastor of Woods Church! I well-remember the excitement of that day: how impressed I was by the energy and commitment of the WoodsWork team, and how grateful and excited I was to receive the call to be your pastor. One year later, all of that is very much still true! I hope to see you in worship as we commission these young people and their adult advisors in their ministry.

And I remain profoundly excited and grateful to be your pastor!

Grace and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Thank You for Supporting Our WoodsWork Carwash

Thank you to everyone who came to support the WoodsWork Car Wash last Saturday! Despite the rain, we had a great day and raised a total of $4,551 for the WoodsWork house-building mission trip for high school youth.

We are headed to Nelsonville, Ohio, on June 19, to build three houses with their Habitat for Humanity chapter. Come support us in worship this Sunday, as we are commissioned for the trip!



A Time of Transition & Celebration

Roderick Demmings, our Organist and Coordinator of Missions for the past two years, is moving on from his service at Woods. In his time here, Roderick has made a profound impact among us through his energy, positivity, talent, and faith, and we are grateful for all the good ministry and service he has done with us.

If you want to express your appreciation for Roderick directly, please join us for a time of celebration this Friday, June 13, 6PM, at Adam's Taphouse and Grille in the Park Plaza Shopping Center next to the church.

Annual Holiday Bazaar

Save the date for Woods Church’s Annual Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 22, 9AM–1PM. Keep and eye out for things you would like to bring in the fall. We are looking for new or gently used: children’s clothing from infants to youth size 10, jewelry, books, records, CDs, DVDs, hats, gloves, games, puzzles, artwork, toys, musical instruments, dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, small working appliances, lamps, collectibles, holiday items, and clean linens. (For safety reasons we are unable to accept: baby strollers, children’s high-chairs, car seats, cribs, electronics and furniture.)

Proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit the Missions Ministry of Woods Church. Questions? Email Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com or Delia Edelmann dedelmann30@gmail.com.

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 1. Please contact Marty Clayton at mclayton@breezeline.net for more details.



Missions Support for Food in Cuba

Last month, Woods Church sent an order of food to our partner church in Sancti Spíritus. We have received two lovely thank-you notes:

“We have already received the shipment from Supermarket 23. Many thanks for sharing with the community of Sancti Spíritus in these times of crisis and lack of food and electricity. God go with you and bless you always for such love.”

“Last week, the church enjoyed a delicious breakfast with the cheese you sent. You all cannot imagine the special work you have done. Infinite thanks and we love you with much appreciation.”

Children's News

Children’s Sunday School is STRETCHING into Summer

Each week, there will be a unique way of telling/hearing/retelling the Bible story. This week, Lindsey Miller and Kat Green will lead the children using stretching and storytelling. Our group of all ages, past the nursery, will meet in Fellowship Hall. Wear something cozy and comfy! The Holy Spirit allows us to stretch the word of God to reach out to all people.

Kids’ Church Club

Children of all ages and stages are invited to find joy in the word of God at Kids’ Church Club on Sunday, 11AM–12PM. We will begin in Room 155. We may be outside some of the time, so bring a hat!



VBS Supper Club

Join us for supper during VBS, Monday–Thursday, Jul 14–17, 6:30PM. Hear about the children's day and enjoy food and fellowship. Register online. Meals are $5/person.

Register for VBS

We need to make our lists and check them twice. Sign up for songs, skits, games, fun, and friends! Monday–Thursday, Jul 14–17, 4–7PM, including supper. The cost is $50/child with a family cap of $100. The more the merrier!

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class: The Reformation & the Republic

Pastor J.C. will be teaching an exciting new class, titled “The Reformation and the Republic,” on Sundays, June 15–29, 11AM.

Presbyterians made up a significant percentage of delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 which laid the foundation for the United States as a republic and Presbyterian values and processes from John Calvin and the Genevan Reformation were many of the key building blocks of that foundation. This class will explore the theology behind those principles and give us a chance to reflect on how they shape and guide us today.

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. College Parkway Baptist Church

Game On! This Sunday, June 15, 2PM, we’re taking the field against College Parkway Baptist 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 Vivian Harquail

Please keep the family and friends of Vivian Harquail in your prayers. Vivian was a member of Woods Church since 1964.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 11:30–1:30PM, in the Canvas Back Room at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (6 Herndon Avenue Annapolis, MD 21403).

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.

A Moment of Prayer

Gracious and loving God, as we remember and celebrate Pentecost, we thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. We ask that your Spirit may guide our steps, fill our hearts with love, embolden our souls, and empower us to live according to your will. Help us to be open to your guidance, to hear your voice, and to follow your ways. Strengthen us to overcome challenges and to be witnesses to your saving grace. Make us instruments of your peace and ambassadors of Christ's coming kingdom. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.