Messenger is here!

October 21, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Inside the Belhar Confession
• Special Musical Guests on Reformation Sunday
• Dinner Church, October 25
• What Do Stephen Minister’s Do?
• Baltimore Presbytery Guatemala Trip
• Fall Senior Dinner
• Support the SPAN Turkey Trot
• Picnic Table Build
• In-Home Gatherings with Pastor Ashley
• A Broadway Afternoon: From Golden Classics to Today
• The Carols of Christmas
• Holiday Bazaar Updates
• Fall Costume Party & Parade Recap
• Calling All Youngish Adults
• Medical Professional Volunteers Needed
  

Pastor's Message

I've begun sitting in on listening sessions with small groups from the church to hear about our congregant's hopes for Wood's future and one thing remains abundantly clear: the need for intergenerational representation. When we baptize new members into the church body, we (as members) make a commitment that we will walk with each new baptized soul through their faith journey.

How do we build a church that can engage people in different chapters of their lives? Being a minister is a bit like being a "mad scientist," where we're praying, and trying out different experiments to see what works and what does not. My first "science" experiment with Woods is the attempt to build fellowship and engagement amongst those in their 20s and 30s in our community. And so, as an attempt to build relationship, myself and others in this age bracket have created four faith-led gatherings through the end of the year to see how we might deepen connection to God, each other and grow in our faith community. Some events are kid-friendly and inviting for parents, while others are designed to be more focused on adult-only fellowship.

I hope that we can grow and learn from this trial experience to see how Woods can adapt to reach more people in our congregation and surrounding community. From what we learn, we can apply moving forward to different groups in the church to increase intergenerational participation.

In Christ,

—Pastor Ashley

Church News

Inside the Belhar Confession

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Belhar Confession, you are invited to a special Lunch and Learn, led by Pastor JC on Reformation Sunday, October 25, 12:30–1:30PM, in Room 208 and on Zoom. Learn more about the history and meaning of this Confession in the wake of Apartheid in South Africa, and why the PC(USA) voted to adopt it into our Book of Confessions years later. The Children’s Formation Committee will provide a special Worship Education Program for children during this time frame.

Special Musical Guests on Reformation Sunday

At both of our services on Sunday, October 25, we will celebrate Reformation Sunday with musical guests, the Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band, Brass Quintet, and Percussion.

The Chesapeake Caledonian Bagpipe Band was formed in 1985 to promote the highest standards in both traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum ensemble performance. Since then, the band has regularly participated in parades, concerts, and pipe band competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Please visit their website at chesapeakecaledonian.net for more information.

You’re Invited to Dinner Church

Join us on Monday, October 26, in Fellowship Hall for our Dinner Church Experience! We’ll begin with a gathering time at 5PM, followed by Dinner Worship at 5:30PM, concluding around 6:30PM. This will be a family-friendly, multi-generational evening of food, faith, and fellowship in a comfortable, casual setting. We’ll gather around tables as dinner becomes part of the worship service, which will include singing, prayer, a message from one of our pastors, and an interactive reflection time. Come share in good worship, good food, and good community!

Baltimore Presbytery Guatemala Trip

The Baltimore Presbytery is hosting a spring intercultural encounters trip with our Guatemala Partnership, The Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA). Intercultural Encounters is a program that designs and facilitates experiences of encounter, reflection, dialogue, and mutual service between people of the United States and Canada with Central American communities in search of a more just, tolerant and equitable world.

Applications and a $500 deposit are due on Saturday, October 31!

Register online. Questions can be submitted to Tanya Morrel at tmorrel@gmail.com.

What Do Stephen Minister’s Do?

Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 by the Rev. Kenneth Haugk in St. Louis, Missouri. Rev. Haugk was looking for a way to expand pastoral care to his and other congregations. Stephen Ministry is designed to provide highly confidential, one-on-one ministry to those grieving the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a job, or any other life crisis. Over the 50 years since Stephen Ministry was founded, the program has expanded to 190 Christian denominations, 600,000 Stephen Ministers in this and other countries, and 1.5 million care providers.

Below is a testimonial to the effectiveness of Stephen Ministry by Phyllis Beardmore, a former Stephen Minister care receiver and now a Stephen Minister herself. If you need a Stephen Minister, please call Woods Church at 410.647.2550 x334, or talk with me—Bill Hadley—or any other member of our Stephen Ministry team. If you wish to become a Stephen Minister yourself, we also will be happy to discuss this with you.

Testimonial from Phyllis Beardmore

I first became acquainted with the words” Stephen Ministry “20 years ago after my husband was hospitalized after a fall from his Parkinson’s disease. Joan Clinch, a nurse from Woods, had visited Bud and called me asking if he would want a Stephen minister to visit him. I was unfamiliar with what a Stephen minister really did, but I thought he might like a visitor with a spiritual background, since he no longer could attend the Men’s Bible Group that he enjoyed.

Fast-forward! Bud had a faithful person who visited once a week for almost 10 years until his death. He listened to Bud as he related his struggles dealing with his disease and brought an encouraging heart into his life.

I recently took the training in order to “Pay-it-forward” and hopefully help someone going through a difficult time in their own life. From Bud’s experience, I witnessed first-hand how a caring relationship from a Stephen Minister can help a person work through their challenges. His loving care and prayers offered spiritual support.

I felt the need for a Stephen minister for myself two years ago when I suddenly lost my son. I was fortunate enough to have friends and family to support me in my grief but felt the need to share openly with someone outside my usual circle. My Stephen minister listened objectively and offered spiritual support and prayed with me. Sometimes even a Stephen Minister needs a Stephen Minister!

If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing a difficult time in life, you may want someone to listen and walk beside you. Stephen Ministers are matched to a care receiver of the same gender. They serve as an extension of Christ’s love and the pastoral care of our congregation.

Thank you,

—Phyllis Beardmore

Fall Senior Dinner

The Woods Church Deacons are hosting our annual Fall Senior Dinner on Friday, November 6, 5:30PM. This year's dinner will feature a performance from Theater in the Park's cast of Annie Jr.!

Those who have received an emailed invitation are kindly asked to RSVP by October 23 by calling the front desk at 410.647.2550 or emailing Lauren Lohff at llohff@woodschurch.org to ensure we have enough food and seating for all!

Support the SPAN Turkey Trot

It is that time of year for SPAN's Turkey Trot! This year's 5k and 1-mile walk will be on Saturday, November 7, at Kinder Farm Park! This is SPAN's primary annual fundraiser to meet the extremely high levels of need for emergency food and financial assistance. Not interested in running? You can always sign up for the 1 mile fun walk, sign up as a sponsor of the event or donate to SPAN directly!

Picnic Table Build

Our Annual Picnic Table Build will be held on Saturday, November 14, and all members of Woods and the community are welcome to come help build with us. The tables will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, sold at the Holiday Bazaar to support our mission partners, and taken on the WoodsWork Mission trip to be donated to the new Habitat homeowners.

Work will take place in the parking area next to the garage storage units and the WoodsWork shed. No skill level required and all tools will be provided! Everyone is welcome! All work will be performed from 9AM–3PM. You may come at any time to help and you can leave when you need to. Liability Forms are required and are available at the beginning of the build. All volunteers must wear work boots or closed toe shoes. Lunch will be provided.

Any youth younger than 6th grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Questions? Contact Oliver Page at opage@woodschurch.org or Scott Wiley at wilecoy2us@gmail.com.

Arundel House of Hope Volunteers Needed!

Our Outreach and Service partners at Arundel House of Hope are looking for volunteers to help with an Upcoming Hygiene Clinic Visit. The clinic will take place on Friday, November 6, 8AM–4PM. Volunteers are needed to drive residents from Arundel House of Hope to the clinic and provide support to residents during their visit. Arundel House of Hope recommends groups of about five volunteers to help with this event if you or your friends and family are interested.

Contact Dawn Baskin at dbaskin@arundelhoh.org with questions!

In-Home Gatherings with Pastor Ashley

A number of people are hosting small groups of people in their homes to meet for conversation with Pastor Ashley so that she and we can get to know each other better. If you are interested in attending one, please email apnc@woodschurch.org or call the Church Office at 410.647.2550 and we'll connect you with a gathering that works for your schedule.

A Broadway Afternoon: From Golden Classics to Today

Come and join us for a fun-filled, Broadway Afternoon on Sunday, October 25, 2PM! The concert features renowned singers - Andrew Fowler (Tenor), Jennifer Cooper (Alto), Shouvik Mondle (Baritone), Tabitha Popernack (Soprano), David Merrill (Tenor), and pianist Sandy Daelemans. We’ll take you on a journey through some of the most beloved musical theater songs ever written! From West Side Story, to Cats, Phantom of the Opera, to Pippin there is something for everyone!

This event is free, but registration is required, please register at www.woodstix.org. For more information email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

(Original concert concept created by Shouvik Mondle)

The Carols of Christmas: A Contemplative Christmas Concert with Harp, Choir, and Soloists

Join us on Friday & Saturday, December 4 & 5, 7PM, for our annual Christmas concert, The Carols of Christmas. Through the angelic sounds of the harp—and the light of flickering candles—this concert is about reflection and finding peace. Accompanied only by the harp, we will spend an hour bringing beloved carols to life, through harp solos, vocal duets, and choral anthems, including our main piece, A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten.

We kindly ask that you register for this free concert at www.wooodstix.org. For questions, please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Holiday Bazaar Pet Lovers Station

Mark your calendars for our Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 21! Look for the Pet Lovers Station in Fellowship Hall. You’ll find gifts for pets and the people who love and care for them. Find a special gift for your pet sitter, dogwalker, and your dog, bird, cat or other beloved animal!

Holiday Nut Orders

Fall has arrived, and it’s time to place your holiday nut orders! Don’t miss out on your seasonal favorites. You can download the order form at woodschurch.org or pick one up at the Welcome Desk. Return your completed form to Woods Church by mail or drop it off at the Office with your check made out to Woods Church (note “Nut Order” on the memo line).

If you have any questions, please contact Kay Mitchell at 410.757.7103.

Children's News

Costume Party & Parade Recap

On October 15, the Woods Children's Committee hosted their annual Fall Costume Party and Parade. While we moved the festivities indoors to stay dry, the change of venue didn't dampen the fun! Using both Founders and Fellowship Halls, Committee members and staff welcomed children from Woods, the surrounding community, and the CDC to enjoy games, prizes, treats, and crafts. The event concluded with a parade to Sunrise Assisted Living, where the residents greeted us with smiles, laughter, and delicious cookies.

Youth News

Education & Small Groups

Weekly Bible Study

Lead Pastor JC Austin and our Associate Pastor Ashley Brown 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.

Church Family News

Calling All Youngish Adults

Back from college? New to the area? Looking for your people? Let’s get the gang back together! We’re gathering young adults, ages 21–late 30s together to reconnect, meet new people, and dream about what the future of Young Adults at Woods could look like. Join us and Pastor Ashley for dinner and fellowship at Vida Taco Bar (Severna Park location) on Thursday, October 22, 6PM.

Know someone who should be here? Pass this along and invite them! RSVP online, or email or text Pastor Ashley to RSVP at ABrown@woodschurch.org or 512.210.9330.

Medical Professional Volunteers Needed

Woods is looking for members who are either physicians, physician's assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, anyone in the medical field, who would be willing to note their presence in a particular worship service or church event (musical production, etc.)—in the event there is a medical emergency—and would be able to help assist until the EMTs arrive.

A notebook and sign will be placed in the Narthex just outside the Sanctuary (to be monitored by the head usher) for the above person(s) to note their name, cell phone number, and presence in the service or particular event being held in the Sanctuary.

Email Jason Jackson at jjackson@woodschurch.org for more information.

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.



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.

Lost & Found

Eyeglasses, water bottles, and keys are some of the items regularly turned in to the Church Office. If you’ve misplaced something, please check the Lost & Found located in the sliding cabinets under the staff mailboxes. Volunteers clean out the collection at the end of each season and donate what remains.

Have faith that you and your objects will be reunited!