Messenger | May 21, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Congratulations, Confirmands
• New Members Class
• Pray in May
• Introducing Lindsey Miller
• Deacons’ Senior Spring Fellowship Dinner
• Songs of Hope Spring Concert
• Adult Class on the Life of the Apostle Paul
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• WoodsWork Carwash
• Counting Down to Pentecost
• VBS Supper Club
• Register for VBS
• Open Dance Classes
  

Pastor's Message

Summer!!! I know school isn’t out yet, and the summer solstice (the official first day of summer) is even further away, but, like many, I’ve always viewed Memorial Day weekend as the “real” start of summer, even as we maintain our focus on remembering and giving thanks for those who have given their lives to protect our country. So I thought now would be good to highlight a few things that will be happening this summer, especially in the month of June.

First, our annual Stewardship Dedication Sunday will be on Sunday, June 1, when we will dedicate our pledges of financial gifts to the mission of this church for the 2025–2026 church year. That means you have two weeks left, not only to prayerfully consider what your pledge will be, but to engage in our Stewardship invitation this year to be “Perceiving and Believing God’s New Thing.” You can send in your stories or photos of anything where you perceive God to be doing something to info@woodschurch.org, and we will collect submissions and show them on the church’s social media.

Second, Pentecost this year is Sunday, June 8 (two weeks from this coming Sunday). Remember to wear red, of course, the traditional color for Pentecost symbolizing the Spirit coming up the disciples in “divided tongues, as of fire.” Pentecost also will be the start of our Summer Worship schedule, with a single service taking place at 9:30AM through Kick-Off Sunday this September. Summer Worship offers a combination of elements from Traditional and Contemporary worship, so regardless of which service you usually attend during the year, there will be familiar aspects and opportunities to sample aspects of the other service!

On Sunday, June 15, I will begin offering a special Adult Education class after the Summer worship service for three weeks. The class is titled, “The Reformation and the Republic.” Presbyterians are part of the Reformed theological tradition, which began with the Reformation in Geneva, Switzerland, in the 16th century, led by John Calvin. U.S. Presbyterians played an outsized role in the American Revolution, to the point that the British Prime Minister reacted to the news of the Declaration of Independence by saying, “Cousin America has run off with a Presbyterian parson!” Similarly, Presbyterians were over-represented at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 after the Revolution, and Reformed/Presbyterian ideas are key sources for some of the bedrock principles of the United States as framed in the U.S. Constitution. This class will be looking at the theological background and dynamics of some of those principles, such as the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the right of the people to elect their leaders. I hope you’ll make a point of joining what I think will be an exciting and timely conversation!

And speaking of the people electing their leaders: on Sunday, June 22, we will be ordaining and installing the Elders and Deacons you elected back in March for terms of service on the Session and the Board of Deacons. This is always a special day in the life of a Presbyterian congregation, and I hope you will make a special effort to attend worship that day and be a part of this service.

Looking forward to a wonderful summer as we continue to worship and serve Christ together!

Grace and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Congratulations, Confirmands

Last Sunday, we welcomed 15 Confirmands into the Woods Church community. They were bold, vulnerable, and inspiring as they shared their faith with the congregation. Thank you to everyone who supported these young disciples throughout their confirmation year!

Find a New Home at Woods

Spring represents new life, renewed hope, and—for anyone wanting a place to belong—a new church home! If this describes you, join us for our next New Member’s Class on Sunday, June 1, 10:45AM, in Founders Room. If you are already a member of Woods, reach out and invite someone!

If you would like more information, please email Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Pray in May

Prayers were submitted by many of the ministries of Woods Church for our Pray in May initiative. These include the Property Ministry that maintains the facility, the HR Ministry that supports the staff and staffing of the church, the Nominating Ministry that invites members to participate in leadership roles, the Child Development Center that cares for and serves young children, the Mission Ministry that extends the love of God to others, the Youth Ministry that serves middle and high school students who play-pray-serve in the name of Jesus Christ, the Children's Ministry that serves children and their families by offering resources for faith and helping them participate in the life of Woods Church.

Download a copy of the poster or pick one up at the Welcome Desk. Heart stickers are available to help you mark a path of love through the month.

Introducing Lindsey Miller

Let's welcome Lindsey Miller as our new Coordinator for Children and Youth. Kat and Oliver are so excited! Lindsey is no stranger to Woods Church. She has been part of our musicals, The Secret Garden and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Lindsey has a M.S. in early childhood education. She has two children, 14 and 11, and a partner (Frolo from Hunchback) who is interested in playing softball! She comes HIGHLY recommended by two of our young friends, and their parents. When you see her say, "Hi!" and when asked to volunteer say, "Yes," especially to teaching Sunday School or VBS! Welcome Lindsey!

You’re Invited to the Deacons’ Spring Fellowship Dinner

All seniors aged 65+ and guest are invited to join us! Please email madams@woodschurch.org to RSVP or call the church office at 410.647.2550.

Volunteer Librarians Needed

Do you have a passion for books? Woods Church is seeking volunteers to share the position of the church librarian, which had been cared for since 2006 by Woods member, Barbara Gosnell. Barbara is happy to pass the torch and train those interested in taking over.

Contact Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.com for more information.

Songs of Hope Spring Concert

On Saturday, June 7, 7PM, the Woods Adult Choir with a full orchestra will join forces with the choirs of Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church and Covenant United Methodist Church. We will present two beautiful works. The first is “These Ancient Words” by Heather Sorenson. This work is built on the foundational scripture passages that teach us and guide us in life: Light, Humility, Refuge, Rest, Worship, and Wisdom. The second is “A Journey To Hope” by Joseph Martin. This work is musically inspired by traditional spirituals and tells of the ministry, passion, and resurrection of Jesus.

This concert is free but registration is required. Register online. For questions, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org

Children's News

WoodsWork Carwash

Our annual WoodsWork Carwash Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 7! Come to the Woods Church parking lot between 9AM–1PM to get your ride cleaned spotless, and support our WoodsWork Mission Trip in the process! See you there!

Counting Down to Pentecost

On Sunday, May 25, our children are learning about the ways they can use their gifts by participating in the mission and outreach and life of Woods Church using our Matthew 25 workbook.

Then on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, our children are learning about how they want to use their gifts to the glory of God in the future with a New Thing Bingo! (Pick up Pentecost Holy Spirit Trading Cards!)

VBS Supper Club

Join us for supper during VBS, Monday–Thursday, Jul 14–17, 6:30PM. Hear about the children's day and enjoy food and fellowship. Register online. Meals are $5/person.

Register for VBS

We need to make our lists and check them twice. Sign up for songs, skits, games, fun, and friends! Monday–Thursday, Jul 14–17, 4–7PM, including supper. The cost is $50/child with a family cap of $100. The more the merrier!

Education & Small Groups

Adult Class on the Life of the Apostle Paul

Adult Education will be offering a study on Sundays through June 8, 11AM, featuring The Call: The Life of the Apostle Paul by Adam Hamilton.

Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the new believers. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary.

Join us in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom. Books are available in the office.

New Adult Education Class: The Reformation & the Republic

Pastor J.C. will be teaching an exciting new class, titled “The Reformation and the Republic,” on Sundays, June 15–29, 11AM.

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.

Music Notes

Open Dance Classes

Join our Worship Ministry for a series of free dance classes on Sundays through June 1, 2–3:15PM, in Fellowship Hall! Professional teachers will offer a variety of dance styles—including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, tap, yoga, and more! Open to anyone ages 12 and over in and outside the Woods community.

All experience levels are welcome, though classes will be taught at an intermediate level with options for beginners and advanced students.

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

A Moment of Prayer

Loving and Creating God, we thank you for persistently calling us into fellowship with you. We anticipate perceiving the new things you are doing in our lives and ask only that we have good discernment and believing hearts that we may participate in your design for all of us. Enable us to be a church with compassion and love for all. Let our response to your newness of life be a blessing to others.

In Christ’s name, Amen.