Messenger is here!

June 5, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
• Dinner Church, June 8
• The Prince of Egypt Wins Fist Place at the Ruby Griffith Awards
• Attend SPAN’s Broadway Songfest and Silent Auction
• WCDC Placements
• WoodsWork Carwash, June 13
• High School Bible Study
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Summer Activities for Kids
• New Adult Education Class
• Softball Game vs. SP United Methodist Church
• Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

As we begin our summer tradition of a combined (single) worship service at 9:30AM, we have an opportunity to grow closer as a congregation and a church family.

Offering multiple services on Sundays can provide a variety of worship experiences and preferred timeframes, but it can also tend to isolate one worshiping group from another, according to which service we attend. When we align with a particular service option, we become familiar with our neighbors in the seats around us, passing the peace and learning names from our friendship bulletin entries. What we may lose is a connection with the vibrant community of siblings in Christ who worship at a different service.

Our combined 9:30AM summer services will unite the Woods community in worship—literally and figuratively. We may see new faces and old friends. Our preferred “seating zone” in the sanctuary may be more densely populated. Thanks be to God! What a tremendous opportunity to come together and worship our God as one Woods family.

So in the weeks to come, let’s take the time to reacquaint ourselves with one another as we worship together as a community of the faithful. I look forward to lifting our voices together in praise.

Grace and peace,

—Sarah Wilson, Interim Pastoral Associate

Church News

A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert

Join us for our spring concert, A Tapestry of Music, featuring American composers and the greats that influenced them on Saturday, June 6, 7PM.

Come and hear music by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, J.S. Bach, L. Beethoven, J. Brahms and more—it’s a concert truly interwoven through time! Performers include the Woods Church Adult Choir, Elysian Dancers, vocal and instrumental soloists, and a special piano solo by Jung-hoon Park.

The concert is free, but a ticket is required. Please register at www.woodstix.org. For additional information or questions, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Attend SPAN’s Broadway Songfest and Silent Auction

Join SPAN for their Broadway Songfest and Silent Auction this Sunday, June 7, 4PM, at the St. Martin’s in-the-Field Parish Hall.

Enjoy a wide variety of Broadway and movie show tunes handpicked from more than six decades of Broadway’s best. Plus, browse and bid on a wonderful selection of silent auction baskets. All net proceeds will support the mission of SPAN.

Click here to download a flyer with more information. We hope to see you there!

Dinner Church Experience

Join us Monday, June 8, in Fellowship Hall for our Dinner Church Experience! Gathering time is at 5PM, followed by Dinner Worship at 5:30PM, concluding around 6:30PM. This will be a family-friendly, multi-generational evening of food, faith, and fellowship in a dinner becomes part of the worship service, which will include singing, prayer, a message from one of our pastors, and an interactive reflection time. Come share in good worship, good food, and good community!

The Prince of Egypt Wins Fist Place at the Ruby Griffith Awards

We are excited to announce that our production of The Prince of Egypt won First Place, Outstanding Achievement in a Musical, at the Ruby Griffith Awards.

The Ruby Griffith awards are designed to elevate the quality of local community theatre in the Baltimore/Washington area and reward excellence and outstanding achievement. Woods strives to produce art that glorifies God and has a positive impact in our community. Winning this award is a true honor.

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!

WCDC Placements

Woods Child Development Center has Tuesday & Thursday placements in the Part Day 2, Part Day 4, and Full Day 4 year old programs. Contact us to schedule a tour or to get more information. Join us as we explore our world with wonder and whimsy.

For more information, please email Roxann Bartone at rbartone@woodscdc.org.

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

Children's News

Summer Day Camps for Kids

This year, Woods will be offering more than one camp. You will select which camps your child(ren) would like to attend from the additional items selection. Please remember to print out the the attached below form(s) for the camp(s) you will be attending.

Register online and keep reading for more information on the programs that are available.

Art & the Bible

I Am Who I Am: God in Scripture and the Arts

From Monday–Friday July 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.

Education & Small Groups

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.

In Our Community

Woods Church Softball Game vs. Severna Park United Methodist Church

This Sunday, June 7, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Severna Park United Methodist Church at Elvaton #1.

No experience is required and you already made the team! 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 thinking… “There’s no way I can participate... I am way out of shape...” then don't worry, you’ll fit right in! Although the GSPCCSL may sound super legit, it’s actually just a bunch of post-prime athletes working to stay young. You’ll have fun!

Interested? Contact Andrew Wiley at 443.867.8803 or wileyas1@gmail.com.

Church Family News

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

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!