Messenger is here!

May 14, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Dinner ChurchPastor’s Message
• Spring Senior Dinner
• Anne Arundel Connecting Together Candidate Forum
• HOPE For All Pillow Collection
• WCDC Placements
• A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
• Open Dance Classes
• High School Bible Study
• Summer Activities for Kids
• Softball vs. Saint John’s
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday! We have a wonderful group of youth who have been working hard all year long, learning more deeply about the Christian faith and the Presbyterian tradition as well as ways to practice both in their every day lives. One of the wonderful things we do as part of Confirmation here at Woods is that the students produce two things as the culmination of their work. The first is a written “Statement of Faith,” articulating their core beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and living as a Christian. This is done in their own words, not necessarily in a “churchy” way, but in a way that is authentic to them as individuals and to their sense of faith. They also do “Confirmation Projects.” These are more creative, connecting their sense of faith to their personal gifts or passions. So some students write essays or poems, some make art, others compose or perform music, others bake something, and so on. We will have two students at both services this Sunday presenting their Statements of Faith as part of worship, so you can have a sense of what that is like for them and how powerful they can be for both the students and others. The actual service of Confirmation for the whole class will take place in the 11 am service.

This is also a good time to remember (or learn!) what Confirmation actually is. Decades ago, Confirmation was often combined with what was known as “Communicants Class,” meaning that young people had to go through that class to be able to participate in the sacrament of Communion. The thinking at the time was that it was important for children not to take Communion until they can fully understand it, which was typically done as part, and sometimes the main part, of Confirmation. Thankfully, our theology about the sacrament of Communion improved, and we recognized that holy mystery and experiencing the spiritual presence of God is at the heart of Communion, and so the idea that we could somehow “fully understand” was actual at odds with the theology and experience of Communion; ironically, sometimes children are the best at knowing and trusting the experience of that paradox of divine presence and mystery!

So, for the last 30-50 years, the emphasis on Confirmation has been solidly on confirming our baptisms through a Public Profession of Faith. For many Presbyterians, baptism is not something they chose or even remember, because it was done for them when they were infants or toddlers. In our tradition, this practice highlights that we understand both baptism and faith itself as gifts to us through God’s grace rather than decisions or achievements of our own. Thus, when young people come of age spiritually and are ready to serve as fully active members of the church, they first affirm their faith by “public profession,” meaning they stand before the congregation and confirm their faith by taking baptismal vows themselves. That said, there are also plenty of young people who were not baptized as infants or toddlers, and so confirmation becomes the way they decide to be baptized and become members of the church. We will have two such youth being baptized earlier in the service this Sunday at 11 am, and then they will confirm that with the rest of the Confirmation class later in the service.

This will be a wonderful Sunday of celebration and thanksgiving for our Confirmation students, and I want to take this opportunity to thank our Director of Youth Ministries, Oliver Page, and all the members who helped with the Confirmation class, for their good and faithful work with these young people this year!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Celebrate America’s 250th at Our Spring Senior Dinner

The Deacons of Woods Church invite all who are 70 years and older to a Spring Fellowship Dinner on Friday, May 15, 5:30–7:30PM, in Fellowship Hall, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday! Entertainment will be provided by Woods’ own Myra Dennis and Geoff Wood as members of the First Maryland Regiment 18th Century Living History organization.

Come to see and learn about life during the 18th century while enjoying great food and fellowship. Patriotic attire is encouraged!

Please RSVP by emailing madams@woodschurch.org or by calling 410.647.2550.

HOPE For All Pillow Collection

Furniture poverty is a hidden crisis! HOPE For All, through its Turning Houses into Homes program provides furniture and basic household items to Anne Arundel County residents in need to help create healthy homes. Requests for pillows are expected to exceed 1,000 this year!

As long-time supporters of this wonderful local ministry, Woods is hoping to help by collecting new standard size pillows from Sundays through May 17.

Please drop off new, plastic-wrapped, standard-size pillows in the big blue bin in the Church Lobby. Let's help everyone get a healthy night's rest! Questions? Contact Pam Blumenthal at mblumenthal1941@gmail.com.

Anne Arundel Connecting Together Candidate Forum

Mark your calendars for May 21! ACT (Anne Arundel Connecting Together) has asked that Woods members be invited to the Candidate Forum on Thursday, May 21, 7–8:30PM, at Asbury Methodist Church, 87 West Street, Annapolis. It is our opportunity to hold candidates to their promises for making Anne Arundel County a better place to live for all. Come and show the candidates how important it is to you to get the right candidates into office in this year’s elections.

If you have questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact Beth Hadley, Julia Erickson, or Joan Tiernan. Click here to download a flyer.

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.

Our A Night on Broadway event for Saturday, May 23, is SOLD OUT!

Please contact Pam Ward at the Church Office at 410.647.2550 or pward@woodschurch.org to be put on our standby list to be notified if tickets become available.

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.

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!

Open Dance Classes

Join our Worship Ministry for a series of free dance classes this spring! Professional teachers are offering a variety of dance styles, including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more!

Classes are open to anyone ages 12 and up in and outside the Woods community. All experience levels are welcome, though classes are taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

Our first class is on Sunday, April 12, 2–3:15PM,in Fellowship Hall. Please note that there is no dance class on April 19.

For more information, please email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

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 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

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. Saint John’s

This Sunday, May 17, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Saint John’s 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

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!