Here are a few lines from a poem I love by Taryn O Brien. It s called Hope and Longing

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2 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. You know that the Kingdom of God is near. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with the worries of this life. Luke 21: 28, 31, 34) Dear Friends, Welcome to Advent, our season of hope and anticipation. I know you ve heard otherwise. You ve heard, as I have, that this is the season of striving: of shopping for the perfect gift, of striving for the perfect performance, of struggling to hold body and soul together as the demands rise on our time and imagination. Not so! The truth is that Advent is the season of anticipation. Even as we celebrate God s fulfillment of the salvation promise. God made flesh in Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, we wait. We wait with hopeful anticipation for his return, his second coming, the completion of the promise. Advent acknowledges that we are living in between these two times the already and the not yet. Luke reminds that Jesus taught us to be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with the worries of this life." Jesus was a realist. He knew that we would have anxieties and worries. People always have and always will. Luke must have had the same because he remembered that Jesus speaking about all that anxiety. Don t get caught in day-to day worries, he said. I think that goes double for Christmas. Try not to get too distracted by the hype surrounding Christmas. Instead live in our Christ-hope. Look up! God is in charge. It s is good advice. I hope you will take advantage of the events listed in this edition of Woods Chips. They will help you live into hope. They will also bring you holy joy. Here are a few lines from a poem I love by Taryn O Brien. It s called Hope and Longing Love incarnate brushes against hardened hearts Light and beauty echo in ancient song They have moved out of the room They are outside now Stepping, stumbling Groping, hoping Oh, the open sky pierces our soul A deep welling lingers on inside For the beauty of Love unending The dream of renewal and redemption Of now and not yet. May God s blessings surround you, The officers and staff of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church wish you and your loved ones a blessed Advent season. 2

Christmas Services BLUE CHRISTMAS AND LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Monday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. This year we will offer a Blue Christmas Service at Woods Church.

3 Christmas Services BLUE CHRISTMAS AND LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Monday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. This year we will offer a Blue Christmas Service at Woods Church. This service is not only for those who have suffered a loss, but also for those who support and care for them. This service recognizes the reality of grief and the healing power of hope evident in Christ s birth. Following the service, we will offer the opportunity for refreshments and fellowship at a reception in Founders Room, punch and cookies sponsored by Presbyterian Women of Woods. Deacons and Stephen Ministers will be available at that time. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Monday, December 24 Children s Christmas Eve Pageants: 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. This family-friendly service includes a live re-telling of the Christmas story. Children are asked to bring canned goods or non-perishable food items. These items will be incorporated into the service and will be given to SPAN to help feed those in need in our community. Christmas Contemporary Service: 6:00 p.m. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with contemporary music led by the Woods Praise Band. The service features favorite Christmas carols and special seasonal music. Childcare is offered at the 6:00 p.m. service Traditional Services: 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Pre-Service music begins at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. During these services, Woods will be featuring a creative combination of the Christmas story, favorite Christmas carols, instrumentals, choirs, solos, and traditional Christmas music. The Lord s Supper will be celebrated at the 10:00 p.m. service. Childcare is offered at the 8:00 p.m. service THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING Monday, December 24 The Christmas Joy Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. The offering dates back to the 1930s, when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families. 3

Family Fun Events This Advent Season SUNDAY SCHOOL ADVENT CELEBRATION Sunday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Begin the Christmas journey with the Advent Celebration on Sunday, December 2 during the Sunday school hours at 9:30 a.

4 Family Fun Events This Advent Season SUNDAY SCHOOL ADVENT CELEBRATION Sunday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Begin the Christmas journey with the Advent Celebration on Sunday, December 2 during the Sunday school hours at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Room 208. Join us for crafts and Christmas cookies for children and youth. Advent wreath kits will be available to take home. Questions or to volunteer ANNUAL DEACON INTERGENERATIONAL CHRISTMAS CAROLING Sunday, December 9, at 2:00 p.m. Children, youth and adults of all ages come with your family and share the Christmas spirit with many of our church members who are homebound, followed by a delicious family dinner in the Fellowship Hall, all are welcome. Our youth will be caroling at Sunrise Retirement Community at 6:15 p.m., we would love for you to join us there. This is an eventful day you don t want to miss. For questions Maureen Adams, madams@woodschurch.org. WOODS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Friday, December 14, 6:30 p.m. The King is coming! All the stable animals need to spruce up their stalls in preparation for the royal arrival. But wait; who is this baby and what is he doing here? The four-year olds of Woods CDC present their first drama production of the year, an original play written by Jeanne Fogle and an annual favorite. Suitable for children of all ages. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - FAMILY CHRISTMAS PAGEANTS Monday, December 24, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. The Christmas Eve pageants at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. are a great way for families to hear the Christmas story together in a child friendly environment. It is even more special to be a part of the story telling by participating in the Christmas Eve pageants. Children interested in being shepherds and angels should contact Holly Albrecht, halbrecht@woodschurch.org or Sarah Dziennik, sdziennik@woodschurch.org. Rehearsals will be December 18 and 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Youth Activities DEACON INTERGENERALATIONAL CHRISTMAS CAROLING Sunday, December 9 On December 9 Woods will be hosting a cheerful and joyful filled intergenerational event! There will be caroling to home-bound members, a delicious family dinner in the Fellowship Hall, caroling at Sunrise Retirement Community, and attending the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This night will be a day you don t want to miss! For questions Elizabeth Baril, ebaril@woodschurch.org. 2:00-5:00PM Homebound Caroling 5:00-6:00PM Dinner with Youth Group and Carolers 6:15-6:45PM Caroling at Sunrise with Youth Group and Carolers 7:00PM Showing of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Youth Group has Reserved Seating) WOODS HOLLYDAZZLE Sunday, December 16, 12:30 p.m. Deliver baskets to Pinewood Village at 12:30 p.m. and the Youth Group Christmas Party will be at 2:30 p.m. 4

Music Events THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER - FREE December 6 through 9, 7:00 p.m. It s that time again, and this year we will be visiting the Herdman s.

Despite protests from other church members, they are given roles in the Sunday school's Christmas play, in which they tell the Christmas story in a non-conventional

Woods Church will be hosting a Messiah Sing-A-Long, on Saturday, December 15 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Everyone is invited to come and sing this timeless masterpiece.

After the concert all are invited to the Fellowship Hall for some delicious finger-food JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT - AUDITIONS Joseph Auditions at

For more information contact David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. THE LONGEST NIGHT - A BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING Monday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. "The Longest Night by Joseph Martin, is a unique winter service of devotion.

5 Music Events THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER - FREE December 6 through 9, 7:00 p.m. It s that time again, and this year we will be visiting the Herdman s. A family of mischievous kids who find their way into a little town s perfect Christmas pageant. Despite protests from other church members, they are given roles in the Sunday school's Christmas play, in which they tell the Christmas story in a non-conventional fashion. MESSIAH SING-A-LONG Saturday, December 15, 3:00 p.m. It s that time of year again, but this time YOU get to sing! Woods Church will be hosting a Messiah Sing-A-Long, on Saturday, December 15 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The church will be singing Part I of the Messiah, including the Hallelujah Chorus. The string quartet will consist of members of the Two Rivers Chamber Ensemble. Everyone is invited to come and sing this timeless masterpiece. The church will have copies of the Messiah to borrow, we do suggest bringing your own copy if possible. After the concert all are invited to the Fellowship Hall for some delicious finger-food JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT - AUDITIONS Joseph Auditions at Woods Church: Dec 18-19, 6:00 p.m., Dec 21, 6:00 p.m. - Callbacks (if needed). Please prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song, and come prepared to dance. For more information contact David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. THE LONGEST NIGHT - A BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING Monday, December 17, 7:00 p.m. "The Longest Night by Joseph Martin, is a unique winter service of devotion. Inspired by the solstice winter's longest night, this service of music, scripture and prayer brings light into the darkness and offers an opportunity to support and encourage those that may be suffering with celebration inherent to the season. The music will be provided by a seven piece chamber orchestra, and a quartet of singers. The music will be conducted by Sarah Kent, and the message will be delivered by Pastor Nancy Lincoln-Reynolds. 5

Mission Marketplace Choose a Gift, Change a Life.

God, while warming the hearts of those on your gift list.

6 Mission Marketplace Choose a Gift, Change a Life... FELLOWSHIP HALL SUNDAYS DURING ADVENT DECEMBER 2, 9, 16 & 23 Ministry of Hope, Malawi Share the love of Christ, and buy Christmas gifts that will change the lives of people who are in the heart of God, while warming the hearts of those on your gift list. GIFTS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FROM SPAN: Buy toys, clothing, or a Christmas food basket for local families and children referred to us by SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods). Signups are in Fellowship Hall between worship services (9:00-9:30 a.m., 10:30 11:00 a.m., 12:00-12:30 p.m.) on Sundays. Items are due back no later than Sunday, December 9 at 12:00 p.m. Pinewood Village ELDERLY AND DISABLED FROM PINEWOOD VILLAGE: Provide a gift basket for one of 60 elderly or disabled adults in a low income housing neighborhood in Glen Burnie. Sundays, December 2 - December 9. Baskets are due back December 16 at 11:00 a.m. for delivery. QUALITY FAIR TRADE GIFTS DRINK AT THE WELL: Hon's Honey purchase products made with local honey by local women with the healing power of love. Sunday, December 2 ONLY. BENEVOLENT BASKETS: Buy beautiful gift baskets made by women in Baltimore, to support their transition from homelessness to independence. Perfect hostess gifts! Sunday, December 9, ONLY! FROM PALESTINE: Shop olive oil from Palestine. Funds will directly support individuals struggling to survive in their war-torn country. December 9 and 16 from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Cuba THE SAMARITAN WOMEN: Purchase biscotti and support women learning the skills of food manufacture, production, marketing, and retail. Sunday, December 16 ONLY. PALESTINIAN NEEDLEWORK: Handmade needlework by Palestinian women from Surf Village in the West Bank. December 9 and 16. 6

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS Make a gift donation to a Woods Partner organization Receive a Christmas card to give as a gift to give to a friend or loved one Change a life Alternative gift catalogs

Pick up alternative gift cards on Sundays during Advent. Gift donations will be taken until December 23.

This fund provides an important resource for the church to respond to individual or family emergency needs of our congregation, staff, and local neighbors to prevent utility cut offs, evictions and

CUBA PARTNERSHIP Our church partner, Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, is a small yet vibrant and growing congregation providing significant life-giving outreach in their

MINISTRY OF HOPE-MALAWI This Christ-centered, community-based Malawian non-profit is committed to making a difference in the lives of orphans and widows by ministering to their physical, spiritual,

7 ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS Make a gift donation to a Woods Partner organization Receive a Christmas card to give as a gift to give to a friend or loved one Change a life Alternative gift catalogs and order forms are available at church and on the church website. To make a donation online via credit card, go to and select give now. Pick up alternative gift cards on Sundays during Advent. Gift donations will be taken until December 23. CECILIA MCKAY GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND The Cecilia McKay Good Neighbor Fund was established at Woods in 1952 to memorialize Cecilia McKay, who was a good neighbor and friend to everyone. This fund provides an important resource for the church to respond to individual or family emergency needs of our congregation, staff, and local neighbors to prevent utility cut offs, evictions and other financial crises. CUBA PARTNERSHIP Our church partner, Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, is a small yet vibrant and growing congregation providing significant life-giving outreach in their community. Donations will support items desperately needed to assist this church's ministries. MINISTRY OF HOPE-MALAWI This Christ-centered, community-based Malawian non-profit is committed to making a difference in the lives of orphans and widows by ministering to their physical, spiritual, and educational needs. Donations will support life-sustaining meals for thousands of orphaned children and infants, mobile medical clinics to care for children and adults, as well as educational scholarships for longer-term impact. THE SAMARITAN WOMEN The Samaritan Women in Baltimore City provides restorative care to survivors, and strives to end domestic human trafficking through awareness, prevention, and advocacy with support from churches and other organizations. Their shelter program emphasizes life-rebuilding, personal accomplishments, social re-entry, and spiritual reconciliation. Donations will invest in the future success of survivors. 7

Adult Ministry More Events POINSETTIAS Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16, after all services WOODS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL - Jesus: God s Promise Participate in Henri Nouwen s legacy of inspiring millions to

8 Adult Ministry More Events POINSETTIAS Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16, after all services WOODS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL - Jesus: God s Promise Participate in Henri Nouwen s legacy of inspiring millions to grow closer to Jesus and be inspired all Advent long with Jesus: God s Promise. The prayerful wisdom of one of the most prolific and beloved spiritual writers in modern times is accompanied by original reflections based on Henri Nouwen s words. There are Scripture readings and prayers for each day of Advent. Faithful: Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph Sundays, December 2-23, 11:00 a.m. in the office conference room. Joseph started his journey as an unknown carpenter, but he became the earthly father of Jesus. For his part in the nativity story, he faced a situation much like our own--encountering life circumstances he didn't choose or understand. In Faithful, Adam Hamilton encourages us to follow Joseph's example during this Advent and Christmas season, and exchange doubt for courage as we learn to accept and glorify God's will. The four sessions of this Bible study include: A Carpenter Named Joseph, Whose Child Is This, Raising a Child Not Your Own, and The Journey to Bethlehem. Facilitated by Adult Education. Your contribution to honor or memorialize a loved one or friend may be made by visiting the Poinsettia table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, December 2, 9, and 16. Contributions are welcome. Deadline for orders will be Monday, December 17, The cost is $20. WOODS CHURCH CROSSES Sundays, December 9 and 16, at 10:30 a.m. Both small and large, gold and silver crosses will be sold in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 a.m. on December 9 and 16 or you can come to the church office Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These crosses are replicas of the forged iron cross hanging in our sanctuary. Any questions, contact Liz Pringle, DICKENS CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and Christmas Eve from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. This holiday season be sure to come into the Woods Church Office to enjoy our Dickens Christmas Village on display December 2 through December 24. This beautiful collection will be available for anyone to see. 8

THE ANNUAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBIT December 2, 2018 January 6, 2019 The Gifts of Christmas Artwork by Woods and local area artists HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE The annual Advent and Christmas Exhibit

A wide variety of art is on display including: drawings, paintings, photographs, etc. This exhibit shows the gifts and talents of the creative.

concerns. If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Adams, 410.647.2550 or email, madams@woodschurch.org.

9 THE ANNUAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBIT December 2, 2018 January 6, 2019 The Gifts of Christmas Artwork by Woods and local area artists HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE The annual Advent and Christmas Exhibit features the work of many artists from Woods Church and the community at large. It is an open exhibit which means that all people of all ages were invited to submit their two-dimensional art. A wide variety of art is on display including: drawings, paintings, photographs, etc. This exhibit shows the gifts and talents of the creative. WHOLENESS SERVICE Monday, December 17, Following the Blue Christmas Service Following the Blue Christmas Service, a service of wholeness will be offered for those experiencing emotional or physical concerns. If you would like to attend, please contact Maureen Adams, or , madams@woodschurch.org. WOODS CHRISMON TREE Chrismons are handmade Christmas tree ornaments with various symbols of Christianity. The name Chrismon comes from a combination of CHRISt and MONogram. Some of the traditional symbols of Christianity are monograms composed of various combinations of letters of the name Christ or titles for Jesus. They are sometimes called Christograms. These monograms and other symbols, such as the sign of the fish, were in use early in the church as secret symbols of Christianity. However, they became popular in the fourth century C.E. when the Roman Emperor Constantine, after his conversion to Christianity, adapted the Chi-Rho monogram as his military ensign. Chrismons are an innovative way to use these ancient symbols at Christmas. You ll see the Chrismon Tree in the narthex. 9

ADVENT DATES December SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Hope Adult Ed Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Advent Celebration 9:30 and 11:00 a.

10 ADVENT DATES December SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Hope Adult Ed Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Advent Celebration 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Youth Fellowship, 6:00 p.m. DECEMBER 6-9 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 7:00 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Peace Adult Education Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Sunday school 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Intergenerational Christmas Caroling, 2:00 p.m. Dinner with Youth Group and Carolers, 5:00 p.m. Caroling at Sunrise with Youth Group and Carolers, 6:15 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Woods CDC Annual Christmas Pageant, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Messiah Sing-A-Long, 3:00 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Joy Adult Education Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Sunday school 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Deliver Baskets to Pinewood Village, 12:00 p.m. Youth Group Christmas Party, 2:30 p.m. MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 Blue Christmas and Longest Night of the Year Service, 7:00 p.m. DECEMBER 18 and 19 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Auditions, 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Dinner for College Students at Romillo s, 5:30 p.m. 10

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Love Adult Ed Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Sunday school 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. No Youth Activities MONDAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24 Children s Christmas Eve Pageants, 3:00 p.

m. Christmastime at Woods Church December 25 and 26, 2018 The church office is closed December 30, 2018 First Sunday after Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. services No Sunday School for Children January 6, 2019 Baptism of the Lord Epiphany Celebration 8:00 a.

11 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 Mission Marketplace Worship 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., Theme: Love Adult Ed Classes, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Families with Children Sunday school 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. No Youth Activities MONDAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24 Children s Christmas Eve Pageants, 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Christmas Contemporary Service, 6:00 p.m., Childcare available Traditional Service, 8:00 p.m., Pre-Service music begins at 7:30 p.m., Childcare available Communion Service 10:00 p.m., Pre-Service music begins at 9:30 p.m. Christmastime at Woods Church December 25 and 26, 2018 The church office is closed December 30, 2018 First Sunday after Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. services No Sunday School for Children January 6, 2019 Baptism of the Lord Epiphany Celebration 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. services

12 WOODS Memorial Presbyterian 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park, Maryland Phone: Fax:

Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas with Children. By Debbie Kolacki of PRC - Practical Resources for Churches

Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas with Children By Debbie Kolacki of PRC - Practical Resources for Churches 1 Introduction The topic of this booklet is such an important one for those involved