Messenger | August 27, 2025

 This week's release at a glance:

• Pastor’s Message
• Kick-Off Sunday Ministry Mall and Family Picnic
• Get Ready for Our Holiday Bazaar
• Free Watercolor Workshop
• Confirmation Class Registration is Open
• Youth Group Kick-Off BBQ
• New Adult Education Class
• Pastors’ Bible Study
• Presbyterian Women’s Circle Bible Study
• Music Ministry is Tuning Up
• Open Dance Classes
• Free Acting Class
• Cuba Mission Trip
  

Pastor's Message

Okay, friends, here comes Kick-Off Sunday! We will have our final Summer Worship service at 9:30AM, this Sunday, followed by all kinds of festivities that I hope you will make a point of staying around to enjoy!

First, we will have the Ministry Mall in Fellowship Hall, where you can learn all about the myriad of ministry opportunities we have in the life of this church! This event was on my second Sunday as pastor of Woods Church last year, and it was an amazing way to start getting my head around all the ways we live out the gospel as a church, but I also heard long-time members saying the same thing, so come and see what new things you can learn about no matter how long you have been a part of Woods! You can come as early as 9 am before the Summer Worship service, or join in immediately following the service.

Following the Ministry Mall, though, we will have our traditional Kick-Off Picnic outside. Food and music will be provided for all ages, and while there are picnic tables available to sit at, you’re also invited and encouraged to bring your own lawn chair if you have one so that there will be plenty of seating for everyone. And, of course, we have some special games and activities for children, including the Bouncy House, a pony ride, and a petting zoo!

This will be a wonderful way to begin a new church year together, and I can’t wait to share this celebration with you all on Sunday!

Blessings and peace,

—Pastor J.C.

Church News

Kick-Off Sunday Ministry Mall and Family Picnic

On Kick-off Sunday, September 7, stop by the Ministry Mall in Fellowship Hall before or after worship! We also will have a picnic lunch and family fun, 11AM–PM. Tell the kids (little & big), there will be pony rides and a petting zoo!

Get Ready for Our Holiday Bazaar

It’s never too early! Yes, it's never too early to start planning for our Woods Holiday Bazaar!

Bring new or gently used board games and puzzles on Kick-off Sunday, September 7, and get up to two free raffle tickets for a chance to win the Holiday Bazaar Gift Basket valued at over $200! The Woods Holiday Bazaar Table also will distribute cards for specific items to donate to the Sweet Shop for candy making.

New this year, we will be offering children's clothing in sizes infant to youth 10. Please save your kids’ outgrown clothing and bring them to the church beginning Sunday, September 7. There will be a large rolling blue bin in the lobby for drop-off.

And save the date for our 2025 Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 22, and plan to shop for the holiday season!

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.

Youth News

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, starting September 9, 10AM. 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, 3:15PM, 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

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.