Messenger is here!

March 11, 2026

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• The Prince of Egypt Musical
• Service of Wholeness, March 25
• Children’s Winter Clothing Collection
• Lenten Devotional
• Download Our Lent Brochure
• Cecilia McKay 2025 Review
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• New High School Bible Study
• Sunday Kindness Crossroads
• Summer Activities for Kids
• WoodsWork 2026
• Adult Education Offerings for Lent
• Opportunities to Serve During Lent
• Adult Mission Trip, April 20–25
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, if you’re in worship this coming Sunday or the next one, you’ll see a few changes to the Sanctuary décor during those times. These are due to the upcoming annual Woods Church musical, The Prince of Egypt. There will be some equipment stored in the back of the Sanctuary, and the baptismal font will be moved to the Narthex from its customary position in the center of the Sanctuary, mostly in order to protect it from being bumped during setup and production of the musical. I know there are sometimes some questions about that each year, so I want to revisit the history and significance of the Baptismal font in Christian worship spaces.

Basically, there are four traditional locations for a Baptismal font in ecumenical Christianity. The oldest is also probably the most common across the ecumenical Church and, ironically, is what we will have for just the next two weeks: locating it in the Narthex or entrance of the church. This is to symbolize that Baptism is our entry into Christian faith and discipleship; it is in Baptism that we are welcomed into the community of the church, and it is in Baptism that we receive our calling to ministry as followers of Jesus. In the Presbyterian tradition, some church members are ordained to particular ministries such as Deacons, Elders, or Ministers of Word and Sacrament, but we are all “ordained” to Christian ministry through our Baptism.

Another common location is in the crossing of the Chancel at the front of the Church; in fact, this is the most common location in U.S. Presbyterian churches. Part of the reason is practical: we insist that Baptism is an act of the church community, so the act of Baptism needs to happen in a way that all members can see and be a part of the sacrament. Theologically, though, it puts the Baptismal font in relationship to both the Communion table and the pulpit, symbolizing the interrelationship between Word and Sacrament as well as Baptism traditionally being the entry point to the sacrament of Communion.

The third location in some ways stands in opposition to the first two, because it is located in its own room apart from the Sanctuary, or even its own building. Traditionally, this separate facility is called a Baptistery; perhaps the most famous is in Florence, Italy, near the Roman Catholic Cathedral there, and it is renowned for its artistry, particularly its bronze doors. While they became very ornate, such as the one on Florence, they were originally created to allow for a pool big enough to facilitate the “full immersion of someone, providing enough space and water for the baptismal candidate to be lowered completely under the water by the officiant. This has never been common for Presbyterians, though, both because we don’t attach theological significance to a full immersion Baptism rather than sprinkling or pouring water, and because of our insistence that baptism be a communal act (most Baptisteries lack space for the whole congregation).

The final location is the least common, but which is what we have at Woods: the Baptismal font at the very center of the Sanctuary! The reason it’s the least common is mostly because of timing: it comes out of the “liturgical renewal” movement of the 1970s and 80s, when Protestants began reclaiming aspects of traditional worship that they had neglected or rejected in previous centuries as a means of distinguishing themselves further from Roman Catholics rather than for truly theological reasons. Central to that movement was re-centering the sacraments in the worship life of Protestant churches, and so churches that were built after that movement were often more creative in designing space for preaching, Communion, and Baptism. Here at Woods, the design of the “new” Sanctuary in the early 1990s allowed us to put the Baptismal font in the center of the Sanctuary, obviously symbolizing that Baptism is at the very center of our identity and our ministry as Christians. It also allows Baptism to be symbolically in the very midst of the congregation, highlighting the Presbyterian conviction that Baptism is an act of the whole church, not something private or something that is passively observed.

All of these options are faithful for Christians in general; for Presbyterians, the separate Baptistery creates some theological friction or tension, but the other three are all perfectly appropriate for our tradition. So as you pass by the Baptismal font in the Narthex the next two weeks, take advantage of this change to remember your Baptism as you enter the Sanctuary: as you enter the space for worship, take a moment to remember that you are claimed, loved, and called by God as one of God’s children and one of God’s ministers. Hope to see you in worship this week!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

The Prince of Egypt Tickets Are Now Available

On March 13–15 & 19–21, 7:30PM, & Saturdays, March 14 & 21, 2PM, Woods Church will present The Prince of Egypt, a sweeping, epic musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, with a book by Philip LaZebnik. This powerful story follows two brothers—one destined to rule as Pharaoh, the other called to rise up and free his true people. Both must confront a destiny that will change history forever.

The cost is $20 per ticket.

Important Notes:

• Due to the inability to fully blackout all windows in the performance area, matinee performances will have ambient sunlight entering the space.
• This production includes strobe lighting effects, loud noises, and scenes depicting fighting and stage combat.
• This show depicts intense situation and thematic elements adapted from the book of Exodus. While children are welcome to attend, parental guidance is suggested.

Service of Wholeness

There will be a Service of Wholeness on Wednesday, March 25, at 6:15PM, in the Sanctuary. This is a deeply spiritual service of prayer, laying on of hands and anointing by the pastors and elders for those experiencing emotional or physical concerns.

If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or email her at madams@woodschurch.org.

Lenten Devotional Now Available

Our Lenten devotional, Discipleship in a Divided Age, is available. Click here to download a copy.

This daily devotional helps to anchor us in scripture and guide our spiritual practices during this sacred season. This devotional follows the Gospel of Matthew and speaks directly into our moment. Through daily reflections, thoughtful questions and weekly visio divina practices, this resource invites us to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty.

Download Our Lent Brochure

Our Lent brochure provides information about all the worship services, programs, and special activities taking place at Woods Church during the Lenten season. We invite you to explore the many opportunities for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual growth as we journey together toward Easter.

For complete details on dates, times, and events, click here to download a copy or pick one up at the church.

Cecilia McKay Summary for Calendar Year 2025

As can be imagined, requests for financial assistance from Woods Church continue to raise. From January 1–December 31, 2025, Woods received 406 requests for assistance. Of those, Woods provided funds to 147 families (12 each month) to prevent evictions or utility shut-off.

• Total Cecilia McKay expenditures during calendar year 2025 = $ 31,612.51
• Total donations from Woods members & organizations = $ 35,522

Thank you for your generosity and continued support of the Cecilia McKay Fund!

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.

Youth News

Save the Date for WoodsWork 2026

WoodsWork 2026 will be held June 22–30. We are still finalizing our location, but we are hoping to open registration by the end of the year! Download the flyer for more details.

Children's News

Sunday Kindness Crossroads

Kindness Connection for Lent is back with Kindness Crossroads. Find Ms. Kat at the Sunday School crossroads, lower level, following the 9:30AM service to make your Kindness Connection at the crossroad of Sunday’s stories and your week. You can make a path from Ash Wednesday to Easter—because Kindness Connections count!

Day Off from School? Pop In for a Pop-Up Program!

Woods Church invites children in kindergarten through grade 5 to sign up for our Pop-Up Program on Fridays, March 20 & 27.

This day-to-day program runs 9AM–2PM, on select days when school is out for not weather-related closures (such as teacher work days). Each day will feature a Bible story with other activities to really "jump into" the story. The cost is $10/child and includes lunch from "All about lunch."

Registration is limited and closes a week before the event. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey Miller at lmiller@woodschurch.org.

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 June 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

Passed Our Limitations: The Power of Community

I’ll Push You is the story of two friends who embark on a spiritual journey across the Camino de Santiago. What makes their pilgrimage remarkable is that one friend pushes the other who is confined to a wheelchair. Their book provides insights into friendship and community while exploring spiritual truths that remind us to embrace life even when we experience limitations.

Like the themes in the book, the emphasis during Lent is self-reflection, simplicity and spiritual discipline. Join us on Sundays, February 22–March 22, 11AM, as we explore spiritual disciplines that push past our limitations and draw us closer to God.

Class will be held in Room 208 and on Zoom.

Incarnated Spirituality: Integrating Heart and Head

Our society compartmentalizes life on multiple levels. We have mental health and physical health. There are entire schools of psychology that focus on emotional health, and millions of pages have been written about spiritual health. But life is messy and in reality, these multiple facets of our life are intimately related. Affliction in any one area affects the others. Purposeful-focused walking is one of the best ways to break the barriers between mental, physical, and spiritual health. Walking helps the body and the mind to become synchronized so that through self-reflection we can draw closed to God.

For five Sundays during Lent, we will incorporate walking, spiritual practices and other experiential lessons to focus attention inward. Through this process we can recognize the holy places that feed our spirit.

We will meet on Sundays, March 1–29, 3:30PM, in Founder’s Room, for brief instruction on the day’s walk and meditation. We will walk for about an hour (4–5PM) at various locations and return to Woods around 5PM for fellowship and sharing the experience. Participants unable to walk for an hour will have an experiential lesson at Woods.

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.

Mission News

Opportunities to Serve During Lent

During the season of Lent, our Missions Ministry is encouraging you to serve our local and international communities in two ways.

• Serving People Across Neighborhoods (SPAN): Continue to fight hunger during Lent by stopping by the Missions Table behind the Welcome Desk on Sundays, February 22–March 22, and pick up a blue SPAN bag with an attached list of needed items. Fill and return your blue SPAN bag on or any time before 3/22/26. The attached list also has a QR-code to order from Amazon and ship directly to SPAN. Thank you for your continued support of SPAN!

• Cuba UPDATE: Please pray deeply for the people of Cuba during this Lenten season. Unfortunately, the planned Mission Trip to Cuba has been canceled due to a severe fuel crisis that has led to the suspension of international flights. As a result, Cuba will no longer be receiving the much-needed supplies that were to be delivered during this trip.
  

Save the Date: Adult Mission Trip

Woods adults are welcome to join us on a Mission Trip, Monday–Saturday, April 20–25. We will travel to Richmond, Virginia, and work with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliate. We are looking for 10+ volunteers.

Click the button below to download an informational flyer. Contact Tom Lerario at txlerario@gmail.com or Scott Rundle at srundle69@gmail.com with questions and/or to sign up.

Church Family News

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!