Messenger is here!

September 16, 2026

This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• New Members Class, September 20
• Americana 250: A Pianorama, September 20
• Home Communion, October 4
• Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals Service
• Fall Flower Workshop
• Sancti Spíritus Reaches Milestone
• Shoot Hoops with our Woods Basketball Group
• 2026 Holiday Bazaar Donations Needed
• Fall Costume Party & Parade
• Woods is Offering a Drop-In Program
• Confirmation Class Sign-ups
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Tech Volunteers Needed
• Lost & Found
  

Pastor's Message

Friends, there are several important events happening in the next two weeks to which I want to draw your attention.

First, this Sunday, September 20, is our first Sunday back to two worship services: a Traditional Service at 9:30AM, and a Contemporary Service at 11AM.

Second, a reminder that Jung-hoon Park, our wonderful organist and keyboardist, will be playing a piano recital this Sunday, September 20, 2PM, which he has titled, Americana 250: A Pianorama! He will be playing through a range of great American composers such as Bernstein, Gershwin, Horowitz, and more. There is no charge for attending, though there will be an offering taken to support the music ministries of Woods Church.

Third, our first Dinner Church of the fall is happening on Monday, September 21. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to Woods, because Dinner Church is a very welcoming and accessible worship experience. It is informal and family friendly in style, centered around a meal—and including songs, prayers, Scripture, and a brief pastoral reflection. We begin with an informal time for snacks and conversation starting at 5PM; the service itself begins at 5:30PM and we conclude by 6:30PM. Come and see what it’s about!

And finally, the Session has called a Congregational Meeting immediately following the 9:30AM worship service on Sunday, September 27, for the purpose of receiving the 2025–2026 Annual Report of the Session, presenting the church budget for 2026–2027, and acting on recommended changes to pastoral terms of call. We expect the meeting to conclude before the 11AM worship service is scheduled to begin.

It is always a little sad to see summer go, but I am excited about what fall holds for us!

Peace and blessings,

—Pastor JC

Church News

Join Our Faith Family

Interested in learning more about membership at Woods Church? Join us for our next Members Class on Sunday, September 20, 10:45AM, in the Founders Room. Those completing the class will be presented to the congregation during worship on Sunday, September 27, 9:30AM or 11AM service.

If you have any questions, reach out to Kathie Hamlett at khamlett@woodschurch.org.

Americana 250: A Pianorama

On Sunday, September 20, 2PM, in the Sanctuary, join Junghoon Park for his piano recital, Americana 250: A Pianorama! Jung will play works by Bernstein, Beach, Horowitz, and Gershwin.

This concert is free and no ticket is required. A love offering will go to support the Woods Church music program. Questions? Please email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

You’re Invited to Dinner Church

Join us Monday, September 21, 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!



Home Communion

Woods Church will offer Home Communion on Sunday, October 4, following our 9:30AM Traditional service.

If you would like to be included or know of anyone in the congregation who might enjoy having Communion brought to their home, please contact Lauren Lohff at 410.647.2550 or llohff@woodschurch.org.

Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals Service

Pet owners and animal lovers are all invited to attend our annual Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 4, 1PM, at the front of the church.

Any questions? Email noahsark@woodschurch.org.

Fall Flower Workshop

The Flower Ministry invites members and friends of Woods Church to a workshop on Saturday, October 10, 9:30AM–12 PM, in the Founders Room. Space is limited to 25 participants. The cost is $25, which includes materials. Please bring garden cutters (clippers).

Register online or contact Pam Ward at 443.261.3263 or visit the church office.

Sancti Spíritus Reaches Milestone

Sancti Spíritus’ Living Waters project has just reached the milestone of 6 million liters shared with the community! The first liter was poured on June 7, 2012. Woods has supported this project by purchasing many water filters over the years.

Shoot Some Hoops & Make New Friends

Looking for some fun, fellowship, and a little friendly competition? Join the Woods Basketball Group on Saturday mornings! All skill levels are welcome. Interested in joining? Come shoot some hoops and meet some new friends!

Contact Todd McDowell at toddmcdowell@gmail.com for more information.

2026 Bazaar Sweet Shop Donations Needed

We need ingredients to create the magnificent, sweet treats we offer at our annual Holiday Bazaar. Please look for our table on Sundays, September 13 or 20, and sign up to purchase items specifically needed. Return everything to the church by Sunday, October 11, and plan on coming to the Bazaar on Saturday, November 21, to purchase the wonderful candies created from your donations.

Text Sue Hannahs at 443-871-0579 with any questions

2026 Bazaar Games & Puzzles Collection Next Sunday

Bring your new or gently used puzzles and board games to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 20, and get up to two free raffle tickets for a chance to win the Big Holiday Bazaar Gift Basket!

And save the date to sop on Saturday, November 21!

Children's News

Fall Costume Party & Parade

Join the Woods Children’s Committee for a fun-filled evening of costumes, games, crafts, music, prizes, and treats! Children and families are invited to celebrate the season with friends and show off their favorite costumes during our festive parade.

Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fall fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Woods' Drop-In Program on School Early-Release Days

Looking for a meaningful and fun option on public school early-release days? Our Drop-In program offers Christian Formation activities from 1–5PM.



Children will enjoy a snack, large-motor play, engaging small-group activities from 3–4:30PM. Workspace is available for parents who wish to “work from home” after drop-off. The cost is $10 per child.

Available on select two-hour early dismissal days by AACPS. Registration for October 13 and December 8 will open on September 21.

Youth News

Sign Up for Confirmation Class

Our annual Confirmation Class for 8th graders will meet every Sunday, 2–3PM, in Room 212, beginning on September 20 (parents are encouraged to attend our first class!). Sign up online!

Confirmation is a chance for a young person to examine and recommit themselves to their walk with Christ, to renew their baptismal vows (or get baptized!) and 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!

**Taking the class is FREE this year, but our Fall "Youth Summit" retreat (October 17–18) and our May Confirmation Retreat (May 1–2) will each have an enrollment fee, and students are encouraged to attend as they are considered an important part of our year together.

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.

Music Notes

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. We look forward to having you with us.

Praise Band

Do you play an instrument, sing, or just love music? Then join our Praise Band! Our Praise Band leads worship at our 11AM service, with rehearsals on Thursdays, 7PM.

Reach out to Sarah Kent with any questions at skent@woodschurch.org.

Children’s Choir | Grades 1–5

Do you have child that just loves to sing, or wants to give it a try? Then come on out to Children's Choir! It’s super fun, and the tunes are catchy and easy to learn.

Our first rehearsal is on Sunday, September 20, 10:35–11AM.

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 on Sunday, September 27, 12:15–1PM, in the Choir Room.

Church Family News

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!