Messenger is here!

September 24, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Annual Report Now Available
• World Communion Sunday, October 5
• Soul in Motion
• Blessing of the Animals Service
• A Message from the Woods Church Gardeners
• Kindness Connections
• Adult Education Class
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Presbyterian Women’s Circle Bible Study
• The Prince of Egypt Auditions
• Free Acting Class
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Open Dance Classes
• Medicine Needed for Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

Pastor's Message

As we anticipate our Congregational Meeting between worship services this Sunday, I am reminded of all the amazing things that have been accomplished at Woods this year. At the meeting, we will officially receive the Annual Report, and I encourage you to take a look at the copy you have received by email or online at our website. Many thanks go out to our ministries for the work and the information given to us.

This week in worship, we will be focusing on what it means to live the lives that God intended for us to live. It is too easy for us to get caught up in our own achievements and successes and to strive to accumulate and do “more” rather than waiting on God. Our lectionary reminds us that we are not to gather treasures on Earth as though we could take them with us in the end, but to be intentional about glorifying and enjoying God in the present. As we look through the Annual Report and appreciate all that has been done, let’s remember that behind these “treasures” was always prayerful and intentional ministry that serves others and glorifies God.

The many submissions of WoodsWords attest to God’s work in our midst. Thank you to those of you who have faithfully shared your stories, and please continue to do so. Your financial gifts are most welcome and enable us to move into the future building more of God’s kingdom here on Earth.

Blessings and peace,

—Pastor Nancy

Church News

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.

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.

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.

Children's News

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

New Adult Education Class

On Sundays through October 19, 11AM, Adult Education is offering a study on 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 meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 10AM, in Room 212 and on Zoom. We are studying the Horizons Bible Study, Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ. This month’s lesson is titled, Mary “of a Certain Village.”

Please contact Bev Haines at 410.551.8412 with any questions.

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.

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, in the Choir Room. We look forward to having you with us!

Children’s Choir | Grades 1–5

We meet on Sundays, 10:30–11AM, in the Choir Room! Wahoo! Any child in grades 1–5 is welcome to come sing! And yes, we have CANDY!

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 Sundays, 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.

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.