Messenger | June 25, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Pray for WoodsWork
• We’re Looking for a Part-Time Organist/Pianist
• Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Update
• Seeking Medical Professionals
• Trip to Visit Our Cuban Partners
• Summer Sunday School
• Kids’ Church Club
• VBS Registration: Be Counted
• Adult Education: The Reformation & the Republic
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Softball Game vs. St. Jane Frances / OLC
  

Pastor's Message

When I was in high school, the bane of my summer existence was summer reading. That’s a little ironic, given how much I love to read, but I love being told what to do a lot less than that. And so being ordered to read something, and have to take a test on it when I returned in the fall, turned one of my favorite activities into one of drudgery and obligation. And so I remember reading things like All the King’s Men and For Whom the Bell Tolls and Animal Farm not with a sense of curiosity and joy, but with scowling resignation instead.

All that is to say that, as I prepare to take two weeks of summer vacation after this Sunday, I have decided to re-invent summer reading for myself, and thought I would share that and encourage you to do likewise. If you are anything like me, carving out time for in-depth reading is a real challenge in the chaotic busyness of life today. So, I am in the process of trying to plan my vacation time this summer and to build in a practice of summer reading that will make me feel grateful rather than resentful, as I did in those high school summers.

I’m setting reasonable goals for myself that I may be able to exceed, so I’m committing to reading at least two books in July and August this year: one geared intentionally for pastoral ministry, and one geared intentionally away from it! The first is called Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times. The title alone explains why this is a helpful read for pastoral ministry right now, because if there’s anything that people can agree upon across the political spectrum, it’s that these are turbulent times. It is also written by Otis Moss III, who is one of the most powerful and insightful preachers in the English-speaking world, and who I had the opportunity to work with when I was serving on staff at a seminary in the 2010s, so I am eager to hear what he has to say.

The second book is Failure is Not an Option, by Gene Kranz. Kranz was the long-time Chief Flight Director for NASA, but is best remembered for his astonishing leadership in saving the crew of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission when the service module of their spacecraft experienced a catastrophic explosion en route to the moon in 1970; he was memorably played by Ed Harris in the Apollo 13 movie. That is one of my all-time favorite films, because I’ve also been a complete space program nerd since childhood, so it’s actually really strange I’ve never read this book! I’m eager to learn much more about this person whom I have admired for so long.

I hope (and expect) there will be more, but this will get it started for now. What about you? What books are on your summer reading list? What books would you recommend to me or others? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions as the summer unfolds; happy reading!

Grace and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Pray for WoodsWork

WoodsWork, our house-building mission trip for high school youth, left last Thursday, June 19, for their eight-day trip to Nelsonville, Ohio. They are building three houses in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and living in community together.

Please pray for us during our time away; for safe travels, safe worksites, and meaningful experiences. Thanks for your support!

We’re Looking for a Part-Time Organist/Pianist

Woods is seeking a part-time organist/pianist to work 10-12 hours per week. The complete position description is available at woodschurch.org under the “Jobs” tab. Interested candidates should contact David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.



Update from Your Associate Pastor Nominating Committee

Your Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has begun the process of seeking our next Associate Pastor of Woods Church.

This summer, the committee will be writing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) for approval by our Session and the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry. The MDP is a detailed document that helps congregations seeking a new pastor clearly articulate their needs, values, and expectations for the position.

We look forward to providing periodic updates to the congregation during this process.

Happy Summer!

Bill Hadley & Karen Lerario (Co-chairs)

Jenna Leer, Charity Matta, Doug Nauman, John Newlin and Sarah Thompson

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!

VBS Registration: Be Counted

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

New Adult Education Class: The Reformation & the Republic

This Sunday, June 29, 11AM, Pastor J.C. will teach the third and final class of his series, The Reformation and the Republic. Please join us in person in Room 208 or on Zoom.



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. St. Jane Frances / OLC

Game On! This Sunday, June 22, 2PM, we’re taking the field against St. Jane Frances / OLC at Cypress #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

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 move into the summertime, we pause to thank you for the gift of this day and for the beauty of the world around us—for the quiet flow of the rivers, the canopy of green trees, the majesty of Chesapeake Bay, and the richness of the seasons that speak of your faithfulness.

You have called us to be a people of hope, rooted in your Word and led by your Spirit. In a world of shifting foundations, help us to stand firm on Christ, our cornerstone. Remind us, O Lord, that we are not alone, but part of a great cloud of witnesses, walking the path of grace together.

We lift up our church family—those in times of joy and those in times of struggle. May we be bearers of one another’s burdens and sharers in one another’s blessings. Shape us as your disciples, generous in compassion, bold in truth, and gentle in love. Strengthen our hands for service. Open our hearts to the needs of our neighbors. And give us the courage to be salt and light, not for our glory, but for yours.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.