Messenger | October 29, 2025
Messenger is here!
October 29, 2025
This week's release at a glance:
- Pastor’s Message
- All Saints’ Day, November 2
- Picnic Table Build, November 8
- Celebrate with Pastor JC and Sarah at an Open House
- Holiday Nut Orders
- Holiday Bazaar Sweet Shop
- 3rd Grade Bible Presentation
- Pastors’ Bible Study
- Adult Education Class on Babylonian Captivity
- The Prince of Egypt Auditions
- Free AGO Hymn Festival, November 9
- Woods Christmas Concert, December 6
- Cecelia McKay Good Neighbor Fund – How Is It Done?
- Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot
- Help Fill SPANS’ Shelves
- Prayers for the Family of John MacKay, Jr.
Pastor's Message
In my opinion, All Saints’ Sunday is one of the most meaningful times of worship we have at Woods. So much of our identity as a church and as children of God comes to us through the saints who have gone before us. The banners in our processions reflect both the character and the faithfulness of each person and may inspire us on our own journeys in this life. This is perhaps my favorite Sunday in the year as it represents the lives well-lived and now joined in eternal life with others.
This week, we are surrounded as well as being ourselves in the midst of chaos and challenge and even danger. The first two days of this week have found us scrambling and planning to meet the needs of those who are in need of support during the government shutdown, those who are still seemingly endlessly caught in the conflicts of war, and those in the path of a devastating Category 5 hurricane. We do what we can in tangible response and turn to God for guidance.
The Saints at Woods have all “been there and done that” under similar and different circumstances. They are examples of trust and committed faith and, so, are at the foundation of Woods Church. Thanks be to God.
—Pastor JC
Church News
All Saints’ Day
On Sunday, November 2, the congregation will celebrate All Saints’ Day as we worship together.
Our procession of banners will include our members who have returned home between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.
During the service, we will also include any family members of Woods Church who have also died between the dates mentioned. Please email Maureen Adams at
madams@woodschurch.org with the names of any family members you would like to include.
Thank you to those who sponsored bagels in October:
- Sue & Jeff Hannahs in honor of the 30-year anniversaries of their marriage and Woods membership, and
- The
McDowell family in appreciation of all our church volunteers.
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!
Questions? Contact
Oliver Page or
Scott Wiley.
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.
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 Sweet Shop
One of your favorite stations at our Holiday Bazaar is the Sweet Shop offering famous “Buckeyes,” candy trains, assorted chocolates, butter creams, fudge, and many other delicious homemade treats just in time for your holiday festivities.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22, 9AM–1PM, and bring your children, your neighbors and yourself for a day of shopping and socializing.
And remember, 100% of the proceeds from the Bazaar support mission activities of our church.
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?
Children's News
3rd Grade Bible Presentation
On Sunday, October 26, our 3rd Grade Sunday School teachers, Denise Hill and Leslie Madison, alongside Pastor J.C. Austin, presented each of our 3rd grade students with a dedicated Bible from Woods Church and the Children’s Ministry. This presentation is a special way to reaffirm the baptismal vows and support our growing students in their journey of learning God's Word.
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
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
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.
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!
Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot
The 2025 Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, November 1, 9AM, at Kinder Farm Park. This is SPAN’s primary fundraiser for the year to meet the extremely high levels of need for emergency financial assistance.
Please register today to be a sponsor or to do the 5K Race or 1-mile Fun Walk.
Help Fill SPANS’ Shelves
SPAN’s shelves are almost bare! Please support our neighbors in need by donating canned vegetables, canned meats or fish, pasta, sauce and other tomato-based products, instant and canned potatoes, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix and syrup, coffee and tea, toothpaste, soap, paper towels, laundry detergent, and dish soap.
Church Family News
A Thank You from the Bishops
“Thanks for all the prayers and phone calls of support for Nancy and me over the last weeks as we pass through rough waters. “Meaningful Comfort” is how I would define it. Thank you all!”
—Nancy & Pete Bishop
Prayers for the Family of John MacKay, Jr.
It is with sadness that we share the death of Woods member, John MacKay, Jr.
John has been a member of Woods Church since 1989 and served as a Sunday School volunteer. He also taught the computer workshop for many years.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the Sanctuary at Woods Church, on Saturday, November 1, 1PM.
Please keep John’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.
