Messenger | November 5, 2025
Messenger is here!
November 5, 2025
This week's release at a glance:
- Youth Sunday Message
- Picnic Table Build, November 8
- Communion Around a Picnic Table, November 9
- Putting Our Eggs in One Basket
- Pastor JC & Sarah’s Open House, November 14
- New Member Class, November 16
- Calling All Artists!
- Holiday Nut Orders & Bazaar Previews
- Bound for Bethlehem: An Advent Journey
- The Prince of Egypt Auditions
- Free AGO Hymn Festival, November 9
- Woods Christmas Concert, December 6
- Urgent Food Drive for SPAN
- Cuba Mission Trip Update
- Mission Trip to Guatemala
- Prayers for the Family of Karla Goodman
- Prayers for the Family of Bryan Warman, Jr.
Pastor's Message
Growing up, my household was very precious about our family dinners. When we were young, we would all eat together at the table just about every night, and my parents did a good job of fostering good honest conversation. Dinner was our daily check-in, to share about our days, ask each other questions, philosophize about life, make dirty jokes, and speculate on the next Harry Potter or Star Wars movie scheduled to release. We laughed, we learned, we fought, and we made up.
Those dinners weren’t just meals. They were the difference between us living together and us sharing our lives with one another. And that table wasn’t just a table. It was a vessel for connection, love, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. I was very blessed to have a family like that.
But as we grew older, my siblings and I became busier and—let’s be honest—less interested in hanging out with our cringy parents. So those family dinners became less frequent. We had to be more intentional about finding an evening where our lives aligned and we were able to come together over that table. Throughout high school, family dinner nights became a once a week practice. We had a covenant to keep our Monday nights open for each, as best we could.
It would have been easy to let that practice go. To just say “see you when I see you” and stop caring about our ritual of family dinners. We still lived in the same house for Heaven’s sake—it’s not like we wouldn’t see each other! But, we didn’t do that. We made it work. Rather, we worked to make it happen. And if we didn’t, who knows what level of connection between us might have been lost.
Not just connection between our family too, because we LOVED to have guests join us on Mondays for our family dinners. It was like a rite of passage for our close friends and significant others. To weather a family dinner with the Pages was to become a part of our inner circle. We couldn’t help but use that table as a powerful tool to connect with the people we cared about most, and to expand that pool of people in ways we couldn’t expect.
Tables have a beautiful way of bringing people together in this way. They are a reminder that no matter who we are and where we come from, we all have to eat, so we might as well do it together. Tables are a symbol of community, connection, and a sharing of resources. To dine at someone’s table is to be a guest in their home, which is a relationship not to be taken lightly.
As it follows, the impulse we often have to protect our table is an understandable one. However, when we shut off our tables from the outside world, we close the door on the potential for connection and growth of our community. When it comes to God’s table, he calls us to welcome all; to set a place for anyone who seeks a seat.
It might feel easier to keep a clean table, set only for those we are comfortable around and those who won’t challenge us. That is not the table Christ kept. Christ sat at a table with people who were deemed unclean, commonplace, simple, and sinners. And that table transformed them into the Kingdom of God.
This Sunday, November 9, is Youth Sunday. For the past month, our youth have been exploring the power of God’s table and the ways in which Jesus uses tables in his ministry to redefine what it means to show the love of God to others. We’ve explored the following questions. What did David mean when he wrote “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies?” What was so controversial about Jesus being a guest in the house Matthew, a tax collector? And, why does Jesus choose a table as the setting for sharing his new covenant with his disciples?
At worship this Sunday, during both our 9:30AM and 11AM services, you’ll hear prayers written by our Youth Group and Confirmands, thematic music performed by our SEEK Band, and a collection of sermonettes from four different youth with something powerful to say about why we, the Church, should be making more space for people to gather around the table. We look forwarding to seeing you there!
Yours in Christ,
—Oliver Page, Director of Youth Ministry
Church News
Picnic Table Build
Our annual Picnic Table Build, hosted by WoodsWork, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 9AM–3PM. Click the button below for more details. We hope you can join us! Download flyer
Questions? Contact
Oliver Page or
Scott Wiley.
Communion Around a Picnic Table
This
Sunday, November 9, Communion will be served at both services from around one of the picnic tables built by our youth at the WoodsWork Picnic Table Build. This picnic table is an extension of our theme “Around the Table,” as this service project is one of the ways we serve and connect with our community in the way that Christ calls us. The Youth are excited for the culmination of their hard work supporting our community to be a centerpiece of the worship message they’ve been preparing to share with you all on Sunday.
Putting Our Eggs in One Basket
Woods Church partnered with Wayman GoodHope AME Church to provide 130 dozen eggs to SNAP for the month of November. My Brothers Pantry will be securing and distributing the eggs to families in need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this way. Wayman and Woods have done several outreaches together, and thank all of you who have contributed to this joint effort.
Celebrate with Pastor JC and Sarah at an Open House
You are invited to an Open House on
Friday, November 14, 5:30–7:30PM, to celebrate the upcoming January marriage of Pastor JC and Sarah.
RSVP online or by emailing Maureen Adams at
madams@woodschurch.org.
Calling All Artists!
The Gallery at Woods is hosting their Annual Advent and Christmas Exhibit on Monday, November 24.
Register your artwork for this exhibit (deadline November 14) by providing your name, art title, and contact information to Jenny Henry at jennyhenry1188@comcast.net or Pam Ward at pward@woodschurch.org.
Your artwork must be framed and ready to hang (wire on back) and there is a three-piece limit. Artwork will be dropped off to Pam Ward in the Church ) from November 17–21, 9AM – 4PM.
Bound for Bethlehem: An Advent Journey
Distractions and uncertainty abound in the tumultuous time in which we live. People today are “seeking” often unaware they are seekers, much less what they are seeking. Mary and Joseph also lived in a world riddled with political division and fear. Although the journey was initiated because of the state census, their journey was a fulfillment of prophecy and a representation of hope for humanity. Like modern day pilgrims they faced uncertainty, experienced solitude and support, and learned to be in the moment and allow God to claim control.
On Sundays in Advent, November 30–December 21, 5–6:30PM, we will follow Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem and explore what it means to participate in a spiritual pilgrimage. A potluck supper will be held in Founders Room prior to class.
The course will be taught by Kathy Lohff and include parallels with modern spiritual pilgrimages. Children’s activities will be provided.
Holiday Nut Orders
Fall has arrived and it’s time to place your holiday nut orders. Don’t miss out on any of your favorites. Just download the order form or pick one up at the Welcome Desk and return it to Woods Church by mail or bring it by the Office with your check made out to “Woods Church” with nut order on the memo line.
If you have any questions, contact Kay Mitchell at 410.757.7103.
Holiday Bazaar Silent Auction & Basket Raffles
This year at our Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 22, 9AM–1PM, we have several wonderful themed-filled baskets for raffle. Stop at the Welcome Desk on your way in to purchase your raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5. You will find baskets full of goodies like games, dishes, music, decorations, cards, cookbooks, and surprises. The winners will be announced at the Bazaar, but you do not need to be present to win.
And be sure to stop by the Silent Auction in Fellowship Hall. Super special items will be there to bid on such as themed-filled gift baskets, a homemade quilt, Bowie Baysox Baseball Game Tickets, an Electric Train and other items of high quality. All of the highest bidders will be announced before the Bazaar closes.
Holiday Bazaar Greenery Station Donations
The Bazaar Holiday Greenery Station Needs your Donations! Please contact Jenny Henry at
jennyhenry1188@comcast.net or
410.846.5493, about donating greens from your yard that can be used to create fresh greenery decorations for our annual Bazaar on
Saturday, November 22, 9AM–1PM. We specifically need pine branches, eponymous, and mountain laurel. Sorry, we can't use Holly or Boxwood.
Children's News
Everyone is Welcome in Worship at Woods
Sometimes little ears are sensory sensitive. Therefore, the Children’s Ministry has noise dampening headphones available on Sunday mornings. See Kat or Lindsey to sign out a set of headphones. Return them after the service. The headphones are cleaned after each use and ear guards will be changed.
This is one way that Woods Church works to be inclusive of all from the tall to the small!
Children’s Mission Workbook is Coming!
On Sunday, November 23, our elementary age Children’s Sunday School Class will learn about how they can be part of the work of the Church. How do we help make “Thy kingdom come?” It is our annual opportunity to think about how we want to be part of God’s work in the world in this place.
Education & Small Groups
Adult Education Class on the Babylonian Captivity
Adult Education is offering a new class on Sundays through November 9, 11AM, in concert with a new sermon series about exile and how God has used it in the past as a growing opportunity for God's people. When we are separated from our familiar surroundings, friends, and loved ones it is difficult. This is true both when caused by geographic isolation, ideological disagreements or by spiritual estrangement. Join us to explore the Babylonian Captivity and how it worked to shape and grow God's people. The class is led by Greg Hubert in Room 208.
Pastors’ Bible Study
Lead Pastor JC Austin and Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds 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.
Music News
The Prince of Egypt Auditions
Auditions for The Prince of Egypt will take place on Tuesday & Wednesday, November 11 & 12, at Woods Church in Severna Park. There will be eight show dates on March 13–15 & 19–21.
The Prince of Egypt is a sweeping, epic musical with music and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz, a book by Philip LaZebnik, and 10 new songs written by Schwartz, together with five of his songs from the DreamWorks Animation film, including the Academy Award-winning song, “When You Believe.”
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses—two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege—find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
We are looking for a cast of all ages, abilities, races, and gender identities. We also need help behind the scenes! Go to
www.wmpcauditions.com for more information and to sign up!
Open Dance Classes
In order to bring our community together in a fun and movement-based way, join our Worship Ministry for a series of dance classes this fall! Professional teachers are set to 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.
We meet on
Sundays, 2–3:15PM, in Fellowship Hall. For more information email Alyssa Barlis at
alyssabarlis@gmail.com.
AGO Hymn Festival
On Sunday, November 9, 3PM, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Aune, Professor of Organ at Peabody, singers from 10 area church choirs, including Woods Church, will gather and lead us in singing some of our most well beloved hymns! Come on out and join in the singing!
Download a flyer with more information. For questions please email David Merrill at
dmerrill@woodschurch.org.
Woods Christmas Concert
On Sunday, December 6, 7PM, in the Sanctuary join us a for Storybook Christmas Concert, Wonder and Glory! The concert will include the Adult Choir, Praise Band, SEEK Band, Children’s Choir, Woods Dancers, Elysian Dance Theater, guest musicians, and members of our Woods family telling the stories of their Christmas treasures. We will sing popular Christmas Carols and enjoy in the sounds and the music of Christmas! It’s a Christmas chapter not to be missed!
The concert is free, but registration is required at
www.woodstix.org. Please email David Merrill at
dmerrill@woodschurch.org with any questions.
Mission News
Urgent November Food Drive for SPAN
Did you know 1 in 9 Marylanders may no longer receive SNAP benefits due to impending stoppage of federal food aid? This will have an immediate effect on food requests above and beyond our typical needs.
Please donate canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, beans, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, broth, bouillon, canned fruit, laundry detergent, dish soap, deodorant, and toothpaste. Place donations in SPAN bins behind the Welcome Desk in the Church lobby.
Cuba Mission Trip Update
Sadly, the Presbytery of Baltimore needed to postpone the Cuba Mission Trip due to an outbreak of multiple mosquito-born tropical diseases. The supplies we collected will still be ferried down to Cuba by a few people who will drop them off and return immediately.
Please keep our siblings in Christ and all the people of Cuba in your prayers as they endure this epidemic and recover from hurricane damage on the eastern part of the island.
Woods is still planning a trip for March and we will be asking again for specific medicines and other items requested by Sancti Spíritus, such as cloth, yarn, children’s shoes and summer clothing, and kitchen supplies as needed.
Mission Trip to Guatemala
The Baltimore Presbytery Guatemala Partnership Spring Mission Trip—in collaboration with the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPA)—will take place March 14–20, 2026.
Find out more about CEDEPA and the upcoming trip on Sunday, December 7, 10:30AM, in Room 212.
The cost is approximately $2,200. Adult and youth scholarships are available. The deadline to sign up is December 31, 2025.
The CEDEPA is an ecumenical educational organization headquartered in Guatemala that works to transform lives in Central America. They have four areas of focus: Biblical and Theological Training, Women’s Ministry, Disaster Ministry, and Intercultural Encounter.
For more information, contact Michelle Wallen at
mwallen@baltimorepresbytery.org or visit
BaltimorePresbytery.org.
Cecelia McKay Good Neighbor Fund – How Is It Done?
In September 2025, The Cecelia McKay Fund expended $1,555.51 to 7 households. But we received 25 requests for financial assistance by phone, email or letter. So what is the process to determine who we help?
Messages are picked up from voicemail (ext. 345) two times a week. Dick Moore then responds to each by phone in order to understand their issue / location / need/ and other information the person wishes to share. If the person is a member of Woods Church, Dick refers them to a Pastor to discuss the need, after which the Pastor and Dick will determine appropriate help from the Cecelia McKay Fund. If not a member of Woods, then the phone “assessment” includes:
- Financial need (we only assist with utility “shut off” or eviction prevention), and we do not assist with mortgages (exception may be for a member);
- If person owes more than $2,000 they must have other commitments to get the amount below $1,500 before we will assist;
- Location of residence (our area is Severna Park, Millersville, Arnold, Pasadena and those “Annapolis” addresses this side of RT 50), but we provide limited help for nearby “out of area” if other churches help;
- They must have they been to SPAN, NCEON, ACDS (rent), Community Action(BGE) and received help from at least one of the above.
Once a decision is made to meet with the person at Woods (usually Monday or Thursday), all documents are copied and further financial counseling is done (other organizations who might help, how about next month, ideas for additional work, get father of the children to help (pro-bono legal, phone number is provided if needed). At this meeting, a commitment letter is provided for a specific amount (up to $400 for in our area and $100–$150 for out of area in need).
Dick Moore then fills out a summary paper and submits all documents to finance for check writing and mailing. A spreadsheet (back to 2008) is kept with a list of names, dates, and the amount of help provided. Woods only assists once a year, but most clients are new.
A monthly report is submitted to Missions Elder and the Pastor.
Church Family News
Prayers for the Family of Karla Goodman
It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Karla Goodman.
Karla was a member of Woods since 2017, and she began attending Woods when she started singing with the Woods Choir in 2014.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email.
Please keep Karla’s family in friends in your prayers.
Prayers for the Family of Bryan Warman, Jr.
It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, Bryan Warman, Jr. Bryan, along with his late wife, Judy, were members of Woods since 1996. Bryan served as an Elder and Deacon.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be announced in a future email.
Please keep Bryan’s family and friends in your prayers.
A Moment of Prayer
Gracious God, help us to follow where you lead us and to listen carefully for your voice in our midst. We thank you for the good things that you do in our lives that restore hope, redeem loss and enable undergird our faithfulness.
In Christ's service, Amen.
