Messenger is here!

October 1, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• World Communion Sunday, October 5
• Soul in Motion
• Sunday Morning Fellowship
• Blessing of the Animals Service
• WoodsWords
• Community Conversation, October 14
• Annual Report Now Available
• Youth & Music Ministries Open Mic Night
• Baltimore Presbytery Fall Youth Gathering
• Children’s Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Adult Education Class
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• The Prince of Egypt Auditions
• Open Dance Classes
• Medicine Needed for Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Pastor's Message

The first Sunday in October is celebrated by many different Christian denominations as World Communion Sunday. We observe World Communion Sunday as a way of lifting up Christian unity and the commonality of our faith in Christ that transcends the differences of nation, culture, and language without erasing them, so we experience unity in Christ without being forced into uniformity.

So this Sunday, October 5, we will observe World Communion Sunday right here in Severna Park, like thousands of other congregations across this country and around the world. And that in itself is important, because ironically, the sacrament of Communion is one of the most divisive issues in ecumenical Christianity. Denominations and theological traditions not only disagree on various aspects of the practice, but exclude each other from sharing in leadership or even just participating. So World Communion Sunday is an affirmation that what unites us is greater than what divides us, which is always worth remembering.

But as we celebrate on Sunday, I also want to encourage us to think about what this congregation can do in its ministry and life together that would cause others to say, “yes, that’s a great idea! We should do that, too.” One such idea is the Blessing of the Animals Service, which we now do every year, but hasn’t been a part of Presbyterian worship until the last few decades. But it is a wonderful way not only to celebrate the gift of God’s creation, but the special bonds of love and service between people and their animal companions. Ours will take place this Sunday at 1 pm, so go home after worship, collect your animal friends, and join in the service on the front steps of the church!

Almost all ideas, even the ones that go on to change the world, start small and then grow into something larger over time, as Jesus himself pointed out in his parable about the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-33). So if you have an idea and you’re willing to help make it a reality, let us know what you’re thinking, and who knows what God might do with it!

Blessings and peace,

—Pastor J.C

Church News

World Communion Sunday

Home Communion will be offered on World Communion Sunday, October 5, following our 9:30AM service. This is a day for Christians to remember their shared faith and fellowship with believers around the globe, recognizing their unity in Christ.

If you would like to be included or know of anyone in the congregation who might appreciate having communion brought to their home, please contact Maureen Adams at 410.647.2550 or email her at madams@woodschurch.org.

Soul in Motion

On World Communion Sunday, October 5, at both our 9:30AM & 11AM services, we will welcome Soul in Motion as our special musical guests.

Soul in Motion is an organization that specializes in African Dance and Drumming, and focuses on sharing the richness and experiences of African-American culture through theatre, dance, and drumming. Since 1984, their performances continue to be expressions of the African-American experience, highlighting influences from West Africa, Cuba, and Brazil. Soul in Motion is committed to maintaining the African-American experience in each and every performance while demonstrating the utmost respect for the genre.

Blessing of the Animals Service

The Deacons’ Noah’s Ark Ministry will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 5, 1PM, at the front of the church. The wonderful Pastors at Woods Church will personally visit with each pet and bless them. There will be prayers, songs, scriptures, fellowship and treats for your pets. A certificate of the blessing also will be given to show that your pet has been blessed!

All are welcome, invite your neighbors and friends! For more info, email noahsark@woodschurch.org.

WoodsWords

Words mean something…and so do the actions that they launch. You have been invited to participate in helping our ministries spring into action this fall by sharing your own stories of how you have perceived God in your life.

These can be memories of a time when God was profoundly life-changing or the simple acknowledgement of the sighting of a cardinal that offered reassurance and comfort during a difficult time. Big or small, God’s presence and revelations make a difference in how we go about our days.

At Woods, God springs forth in new ways constantly. As the Prophet Isaiah has asked, “Do you perceive it?” Many of you have shared “God sightings” or “God Winks” over the years and the stories come across as faith statements and a willingness to open hearts and minds to God’s presence. We would like for those stories to enrich our ministries as they are part of the fabric woven together that make up Woods Church.

Isaiah also asks, “Do you believe it?” As a church we profess our beliefs on a regular basis: in worship, in service, in caring and reaching out to others. WoodsWords is an opportunity to proclaim God’s active presence in our lives and to put that presence into action. As you are able, you may contribute to the launching of our ministries by making a financial commitment (pledge) to Woods or increasing what you have already pledged. We are the action of God’s stories. Let’s make all kinds of ministries spring forth into our church and community. God is all around us. Stories and pledges can be made using the WoodsWords card at the Welcome Desk or online.

Do you perceive it? Do you believe it?

Sunday Morning Fellowship

Don’t miss fellowship, coffee, and bagels every Sunday morning before and after services in Fellowship Hall!

The coffee of the week is SUMATRA! This organic blend is produced in the Bener Meriah highlands of Sumatra, Indonesia. From the Adsenia variety, it is one of the oldest coffee varieties in Aceh. Many of the producers are women who lost their husbands in the 2003 civil war and are now part of co-ops, selling their coffee to support their families and communities.

Looking for a place to serve without a long-term commitment? Try hosting Bagels & Coffee Fellowship one Sunday morning. Individuals, teens, friends, and families are welcome. Training provided. Stop by the Welcome Desk or Office for more information.

Who Is My Enemy? Being Community in the Midst of Conflict

On Tuesday, October 14, the Pastors will convene and moderate a Community Conversation about the problem of ever-increasing enmity and polarization in our society and how we might work together across those divisions towards greater understanding, justice, and peace.

This event is open to the public, and a “Conversation Covenant” will be explained and followed in order to preserve a “brave space” for people to speak transparently about sensitive issues. Join us as we both seek and model the possibility of community in the midst of conflict.

Annual Report Now Available

It’s that time of year again: Annual Report time! At our Congregational Meeting this Sunday, September 28, there will be a motion to accept the Annual Report. We encourage you to review the report ahead of time. Click here to access it.

Youth News

Children's News

Children’s Fall Costume Party & Parade

The children of Severna Park, the CDC, and Woods Church are invited to our third annual Fall Costume Party & Parade! Dress up and show up for a fun fall celebration with games, prizes, our famous Cup Cake Walk, and a parade to visit our friends at Sunrise Senior Living!

YOU can help with the game, welcoming children, or providing safety for the parade. Contact Lindsey Miller or Kat Green for more information.

Kindness Connections

Can you be-leaf it is fall?! One way we show our belief is through Kindness Connections. Every week, we are watching the Kindness Connections add up on the bulletin board in the Children’s Sunday School Hallway. Put YOUR name on a leaf each week and tell Ms. Kat or Ms. Lindsey how YOU made a Kindness Connection at home, school, work, or play. The Kindness Connections are really piling up!

Education & Small Groups

Pastors’ Bible Study

Lead Pastor J.C. 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!

Free Acting Class

Have you ever wanted to get your feet wet with acting, or brush up on your skills? Then come out to our free acting class on Sunday, September 28, 3:15–4:15PM, in Fellowship Hall. The class will be lead by Atticus Boidy who is well loved in the area and is known for his creative and award winning directing. Atticus will lead you through acting warm-ups, discussions, games, and challenges. It will be fun for any age. No sign up required—all are welcome.

For questions, please email performingarts@woodschurch.org.

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.

Mission News

Medicine Needed for Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Our partner church in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, is in desperate need of over-the-counter medicines. A group from Woods is going in early November and can take these to them. Please be sure that all containers are factory-sealed. Gummies can not be accepted.

Needed items: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Antihistamines, Omeprazole, Famotidine, children’s and adult vitamins (no gummies), artificial tears, pain cream, Simethicone (Gas-X), Hydrocortisone, triple antibiotics, Afrin, Pepto-Bismol, 81m Aspirin, Naproxen, Children’s Tylenol and vitamin C (no gummies).

Thank you for supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are caring for their community!

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.