Messenger is here!

September 10, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• New Member Class This Sunday
• World Communion Sunday, October 5
• Free Watercolor Workshop
• Confirmation Class Registration is Open
• A Message from the  Woods Church Gardeners
• New Adult Education Class
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Presbyterian Women’s Circle Bible Study
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Open Dance Classes
• Free Acting Class
• Support SPAN at the Broadway Songfest Concert!
• Cuba Mission Trip
  

Pastor's Message

The rain last Sunday did not dampen a wonderful Kick-Off Sunday for us here at Woods! It was such a joy to see all the energy and excitement for the new church year as we worshipped together in our final Summer Worship service and then went on to the festivities of Kick-Off Sunday. I want to thank everyone who was involved in making it such a fun and meaningful time, starting with the indefatigable leadership of Karen Lerario and the whole board of Deacons, who coordinated the day. But we also had leaders from every Ministry group of the Session, along with some other special efforts and events, to help everyone in the congregation better understand the scope and depth of our ministry work together. And to keep us all going, we had a great team of volunteers cooking and serving a tasty picnic lunch, including grilling hot dogs and chicken burgers under a tent in the rain! And I also want to thank the staff and volunteers of both our Children’s Ministry and the Child Development Center who helped us create a fun and safe atmosphere for our children as part of the day. Truly, it was a special day and the perfect way to kick off a new year together!

This week, we are officially back to our regular schedule of two worship services on Sunday mornings: a traditional service at 9:30 am and a contemporary service at 11 am. Having said that, I also want to highlight two special events coming later in the month. First, the Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, September 28, 10:25AM (the traditional service will end a few minutes early) for the purpose of receiving and discussing the Session’s annual report, covering the 2024-25 church year. There will be a published annual report distributed in a pdf format in advance of the congregational meeting; printed copies will also be available at the church for those who prefer paper. 

Second, the Session has approved an experiment with “Dinner Worship” this fall, which will include services on Monday evenings in Fellowship Hall on September 29, October 27, and December 1. Each service will begin with an gathering/social time at 5 pm, with the service itself starting at 5:30 pm and ending by 6:30 pm. This will be an informal service designed for people and families to attend after work and school, so please come how you are! It will be a relatively simple service of singing, prayer, Scripture and a pastoral meditation (i.e., a shorter sermon) followed by time to reflect either individually or in conversation with others. Dinner will be served buffet-style during a break in the service itself. This service is designed to offer an alternative to Sunday morning worship for those who are otherwise obligated on Sunday mornings, as well as for people who are not drawn to either traditional or contemporary forms of worship such as we offer on Sunday mornings.

So please let your friends and neighbors know about it, and make a point of taking some postcards from the Welcome Desk giving the essential information and put them on any community bulletin boards that you find. Finally, if you are interested in helping out with the service (we are looking especially for people who can bring a side dish or dessert for at least 6-8 people), please let us know by calling the Church Office or emailing us at info@WoodsChurch.org. Thank you!

Blessings and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

New Member Class This Sunday

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.

Free Watercolor Workshop

Looking for a meaningful way to relax, create, and connect with your inner artist? Join our Watercolor Workshop and dive into a colorful world of self-expression. No experience needed!

The workshop will be held in Fellowship Hall, 10AM–12PM. Register online.

Confirmation Class Registration is Open

Sign-ups for our 2025–2026 Confirmation Class are open! Our 8th grade Confirmation Class will meet on Sundays, September 14–May, 2–3PM. This class is designed for 8th graders to explore their relationship with God, recommit themselves to their walk with Christ, and take the step to join the church. In this class, you’ll learn more about your faith, what it means to be the Church, and how to share your faith with others!

In addition, we are offering a NEW High School Confirmation Crash-Course for any high school students who are interested in being confirmed and joining our church, but might be a bit old for our normal 8th grade class. This also is a great option for students who have been confirmed before, but are interested in taking a refresher class. This class will meet on Sunday afternoons, 3:30–4:30PM, starting on September 14, and will last only one semester.

Registration closes on Sunday, September 14.

A Message from Our Gardeners

Unlike most birds that nest in spring, American Goldfinches wait until mid to late summer to breed. That’s because their chicks are raised on an all-seed diet—no insects—and they time their nesting to when thistle and other wildflowers go to seed. This unique strategy ensures plenty of food for parents and babies.

Many thanks to Jenny Henry for the picture on the right of a finch at Woods. They are usually too quick to photograph.

Education & Small Groups

New Adult Education Class

Adult Education is offering a new study on Sundays, September 14–October 19, 11AM, featuring Matthew: the Gospel of Promised Blessing, by professor M. Skinner. Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes us into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew’s story about the life and work of Jesus.

We will meet in the Office Conference Room and on Zoom. Books are available in the office.

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.

Presbyterian Women’s Circle Bible Study

The Women's Circle Bible study will meet in Room 212 and on Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month. We will be studying the Horizons Bible Study, Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ. Come and join us for this interesting study.

Click here to download a flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412.

Music News

Music Ministry is Tuning Up

Be a part of our Music Ministry at Woods! For questions about our choirs, bands, or arts offerings, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

Adult Choir

Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We rehearse Thursday evenings at 7PM, beginning August 28, in the choir room. We look forward to having you with us!

Children's Choir

Come join us as we sing and lead worship through all styles of music. All are welcome to come and sing! We rehearse Thursday evenings at 7PM, beginning August 28, in the choir room. We look forward to having you with us!

SEEK Band | Grades 6–12

Do you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or just love music? Then come on out! Any youth in grades 6–12, can join our SEEK BAND. The SEEK BAND offers music for worship regularly, with many wonderful solo and musical opportunities. Our first rehearsal is Sunday, September 14, 12:15–1PM, in the Choir Room.

Praise Band

Do you play an instrument, sing, or just love music? Then join our Praise Band! Our Praise Band leads worship at the 11AM service, with rehearsals on Thursday nights at 7PM. Reach out to Sarah Kent with any questions at skent@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.

Our first class will be on Sunday, September 21, 2–3:15PM, in Fellowship Hall. For more information email Alyssa Barlis at alyssabarlis@gmail.com.

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.

Mission News

Support SPAN at the Broadway Songfest Concert!

Join us for an exuberant, fun-filled salute to Broadway and Movie Musicals at the Broadway Songfest Concert on Saturday, September 20, 5PM, at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Parish.

Live Concert: Enjoy an evening of music celebrating a wide variety of Broadway and movie favorites.

Online Auction: Bid now on amazing items, including a week at an Ocean City condo, autographed fan items from local sports teams, artwork, gift cards to restaurants, theaters, the symphony, and more! Bidding runs now through the end of the Songfest concert. The auction is open to everyone—whether or not you can attend in person.

100% of net proceeds support SPAN, helping provide food and financial assistance to those in need right here in Anne Arundel County.

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Concert tickets must be purchased in advance via credit card, PayPal, or check sent to SPAN.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an inspiring evening while supporting a vital local mission!

Cuba Mission Trip

Please consider being part of a Woods trip to our partner church in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. The dates are March 10–17, and approximate cost is $1,800. Marty Clayton will be at the Missions table on Kick-off Sunday to answer any questions.

A Moment of Prayer

Gracious God, as you reveal yourself to us we pray for a willingness to discern and perceive. Enable us to be not just story-tellers but story-doers. Let our hearts be open to who you would have us be and what you would have us do. We give thanks for your persistent presence in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.