Messenger is here!

June 24, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Welcoming New Members this Sunday
• Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Save the Date for the Woods Church Holiday Bazaar
• Checking in with our WoodsWork Team
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Special Adult Education Class
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

“What’s in a name?”

That famous question comes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, when Juliet is standing on her famous balcony pining for Romeo, whom she has just met and fallen for, but has realized that his family, the Montagues, are the arch-enemies of her family, the Capulets. So she’s lamenting that he bears the family name of Montague, because it’s the only thing standing in the way of them being together: “…a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she sighs regretfully.

Unfortunately for Juliet, names often do carry significant meaning and power. We name children after other beloved family members. We name places after public figures to honor them and to link the purpose of that place to the characteristics of the name; it’s why there are so very many places in the United States that bear the name “Washington,” for example. And we name programs and endowment funds and other such things for the same reason: to express the essence of what they are trying to accomplish, what impact they are trying to make.

Recently, the Woods Church Session went through a comprehensive review of its work, structures, and processes to try and help the Session be more strategic and mission-focused in its work: not simply overseeing church activities, but considering what God is calling us to do as a church and how we might move into that future more faithfully and effectively. In that process, the question of names came up, and the Session ended up changing some names connected to the Session’s work to better reflect what they are trying to accomplish and what impact they are trying to make, and to link them to certain characteristics that the Session believes are important to emphasize, and I want to explain those changes briefly here and why they are important.

First, the Session has called its own standing subgroups “Ministries” rather than “committees” for as long as most people around here can remember (e.g., Worship Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, etc.). But as it conducted its review, one of the issues that came up regularly was that those Ministries were actually doing much of the ministry in the life of the church; in other words, whenever a Ministry wanted to try something new, it was the people around that table who felt like they had to do it themselves; after all, they were that particular ministry. But ministry is something that all baptized Christians are called to; it isn’t limited to certain specially designated people or groups. So, the Session decided to change the name of all Ministries to Committees instead (e.g., Worship Committee, Human Resources Committee, etc.). That may seem like a small thing, but what’s in that name is an emphasis that Committees oversee ministry rather than being the ministry or doing all the ministry themselves. So, you can be passionate about children’s ministry and be active in it as a volunteer or leader, for example, without having to serve on the Session committee overseeing children’s ministries. And if you do serve on the committee, you don’t have to be directly involved yourself in every program or activity that is being done for or with children, or be responsible for launching every new idea. Committees don’t do the ministry, committees supervise and support the ministry being done.

There are also two sets of name changes of the committees themselves that are important to know about. First, the Session has added the word “formation” to the committees that are responsible for our children, youth, and adult ministries. What’s in that name is a recognition that these committees are responsible for providing comprehensive and holistic faith formation. That means that we are helping form people as disciples of Jesus Christ in heart, mind, body, and spirit, and that such faith formation is a lifelong journey. That, in turn, helps us remember that discipleship and, indeed, faith itself is not solely or even primarily about acquiring knowledge or understanding, which is a common mistake. Knowledge and understanding are both important, of course, but no more or less than spiritual practices such as prayer or the sacraments, or coming together in community to study the Bible for spiritual growth, not simply intellectual growth.

Finally, at the Missions Committee’s own request, the Session has changed its name from Missions to Outreach and Service. This change is being made for several reasons. First, it more clearly describes the ministries that fall under its responsibility: reaching out to serve others through direct service or through partnerships. Second, it helps get us away from potential confusion when we talk about the overall mission of the congregation versus the mission ministries of service and outreach. Third, it recognizes that one of the best doors into the life of Woods Church for people in the community, especially those who have not grown up participating in a church, is through our ministries of service and outreach. The problem is that many people without a church background are apprehensive about church life, and research shows that they associate “mission” language in a church with things like European colonialism. So, the very ministries that could be most attractive to people who are looking for ways to do something good in the world become, ironically, something they don’t want a part of, simply because of the name. Changing the name to Outreach and Service removes that problem and makes it clear that this committee’s ministries are doing the kind of things that they want to be a part of.

So: that’s what’s in some of these (new) names here at Woods Church. It will take some intentionality at first, but please make that effort to adopt these new names now that you understand why the Session felt this was important. And as always, please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at JAustin@WoodsChurch.org and asking about any of this. Thank you!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Welcoming New Members

Our Woods family is expanding! Please join us as we receive new members during worship this Sunday, June 28. As part of the liturgy, the congregation will take vows to support and partner with them as we grow together in faith. We look forward to welcoming our newest siblings in Christ to the Woods community!

Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday

All are invited to celebrate Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday with a potluck luncheon on Saturday, July 11, 2–4PM, at Whitehurst Club House (360 White Cedar Lane, Severna Park). Please bring a dish to share

Save the Date for the Woods Church Annual Holiday Bazaar

Save the date for the Woods Church Annual Holiday Bazaar, which will take place on Saturday, November 21, 9AM–1PM.

Start gathering donations now! We are looking for new or gently used children’s clothing from toddler to youth size 10, jewelry, books, records, CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, artwork, toys, musical instruments, dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, small working appliances, lamps, collectibles, and holiday items. Items that we are unable to accept include baby strollers, children’s high-chairs, car seats, cribs, electronics, and furniture. Proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit the Outreach and Service Committee (formally the Missions Ministry) of Woods Church.

Questions? Email Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com or Delia Edelmann dedelmann30@gmail.com.

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, July 5, July 26, August 16, and 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!

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

Checking in with Our WoodsWork Team

Take a look at what our WoodsWork youth and adults are up to by visiting our online photo gallery! Click here to see photos from their time in Richmond, Virginia.

Children's News

Summer Sunday School is Doing a New Thing!

Join us for immersive Bible story experiences this each Sunday this summer!

• June 28 - Outdoor Play
• July 5 - Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
• July 12 - Traditional Sunday School with Ms. Marcia and Ms. Gale
• July 19 - Computers & Games
• July 26 - Surprise! Let's see your Super Hero costume!
• August 2 - Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)
• August 9 - Music & Arts (three volunteers needed)
• August 16 - Traditional Sunday School with Ms. Marcia and Ms. Gale
• August 23 - Outdoor Play:
• August 30 - Computers & Games:
• September 6 - Labor Day Weekend Story & Stretch (wear comfy clothes)

All Aboard!

Online registration for Day Camps and VBS Express are now closed. If you need assistance, contact Lindsey Miller or email children@woodschurch.org. More stories! More fun!

Education & Small Groups

Special Adult Education Class

Pastor JC Austin is leading a four-week Adult Education class, titled 250 Years of Christianity and Democracy in the United States. Sessions will be held on Sundays through June 28, 11AM, in Room 208 and via Zoom. The class will be recorded for future viewing on demand. JC will explore some of the main ways that Christianity has engaged in the democratic society in the U.S. from different historical/social contexts, from our founding to the present day.

We will meet in Room 208 and on Zoom.

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

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!