Messenger is here!

May 27, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• New Members Class, May 31
• A Tapestry of Music Spring Concert
• WCDC Placements
• Open Dance Classes
• Youth Group End-of-Year Party
• High School Bible Study
• Children’s Ministry Updates
• Summer Activities for Kids
• Softball Game vs. St. Andrew’s
• Celebrating Ginny Jensen’s 99th Birthday
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, this week’s message is focusing on some things that will change on Sundays starting NEXT week, June 7; this Sunday (May 31) will be our final Sunday with two worship services until the fall. On Sunday, June 7, two important things will happen that I want to give you a bit of lead time on, so I’m including them in this week’s Messenger.

The first is that we will begin our Summer Worship schedule that Sunday, which will be one worship service at 9:30AM. That schedule will continue through Kick-Off Sunday next fall on September 13. We will return to two worship services on Sunday, September 20. So what is “Summer Worship?” Well, the most obvious shift aside from a single service is the style of music in the service. Throughout the summer, the music will be a combination of traditional and contemporary styles, though often services will “lean” towards one style or the other, depending on the vacation schedules of worship staff. But we will be looking to have a balance between worship styles in Summer Worship, and overall, the services will be a bit less formal than traditional worship, and a bit more liturgical than contemporary worship. For example, pastors don’t wear robes, and the service includes unison prayers of confession and affirmations of faith.

The second important thing is that, in the month of June, I will be leading an Adult Education class starting at 11AM that I am titling, “250 Years of Christianity and Democracy in the United States.” This will be a four-week offering, leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this July 4, that explores different ways that Christianity has engaged in democratic society in the United States from our founding to the present day. Obviously, there is great diversity in how this has happened over the last 250 years—both from the variety of Christian traditions present and from the different historical/social contexts. That said, there are certain patterns or themes that run throughout that diversity, so each week we will look at one of those themes.

We will begin on June 7 with the theme of “Participation,” which is what it sounds like: Christianity being separate from the state in structure, but engaging in democratic society as either a supporter or a critic of particular goals, issues, and policies, based on its understanding of the mandates of the Christian gospel. We will look at examples from the American Revolution and the Founding Era, as well as briefly consider the examples of several major social issues like Prohibition (did you know that was a social justice campaign, not a moral purity one?), the Civil Rights Movement, and the debate over abortion (both pro-choice and pro-life).

June 14 will be the theme of “Opposition,” meaning times that Christians engaged in public life to promote movements or issues that put Christianity and/or the United States in conflict with the basic tenets or values of democracy and even the Christian gospel itself. Examples will include slavery, Jim Crow, and the current debate over white Christian nationalism.

June 21 will be the theme of “Separation,” meaning arguments and movements for Christians not to engage in or with public life at all, and focus solely on spiritual concerns instead. We’ll look at arguments for the “Spirituality of the Church” that were prominent in Southern Christianity before and after the Civil War, as well as the early decades of Pentecostalism and Evangelical Christianity.

Finally, on June 28, we’ll consider the theme of “Fusion,” or what is often called “U.S. civil religion,” meaning the blending of Christian theology, values, or practices directly with particular political goals, values, or practices. Examples will include several forms of the concept of “American Exceptionalism” and the decision to insert “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance in the 1950s.

So, June promises to be a very interesting and engaging season here at Woods; I look forward to being with you in Summer Worship and I hope to see you in the class!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Join Our Faith Family

Interested in learning more about membership at Woods Church? Join us for our next new Members Class on Sunday, May 31, 10:45AM, in the Founders Room. Those completing the class will be presented to the congregation during our 9:30AM worship service on Sunday, June 28.

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!

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.

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. St. Andrew’s

This Sunday, May 31, 2PM, Woods Church takes the field against Saint John’s Church at Cypress #2.

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!