Pastoral note, from Garrett
The “BE WELL” Church Retreat is in the books. About 95 people participated, and the number swelled to well over 100 when we celebrated Parker Reid's baptism on Saturday afternoon. Thank you to Jillian Shannon for teaching and the Gagñes (Lois, Ben, and Jacob) for leading music. We also had another rousing Variety Show hosted by the incredibly talented Bethany Reid— I had the opportunity to learn some dance moves during the show. Unfortunately, there were cameras present for that part.
Our Habitat Build begins this Saturday. Since 2004, Woodland has sponsored or co-sponsored 17 Habitat homes, providing both financial support and volunteers to help families build affordable homes of their own. This is one of the most tangible ways we put our faith into action—working side by side to build not only a house, but a home and a community. Whether you’re an experienced builder or have never picked up a hammer, there’s a place for you. Join us this Saturday and/or any Saturday this fall. Find details and sign up at woodlandsa.org/habitat.
The second gathering in our four-part Lifestages series is this Wednesday as we explore the gifts (and challenges) of the teenage years. Steve Martin is leading our cooking team— meals are $10/person. Let us know you’re coming by registering here. Dinner will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m., and the class will meet from 6–7 p.m. Children and youth are welcome, too! They’ll have games and activities with Katie and Hannah.
Choir rehearsal will move to Thursday this week. Rehearsal begins at 6:30 p.m. If you’ve ever considered singing in the choir, come check it out.
We have a church business meeting coming up this Sunday. We will vote on a slate of new deacons. Here are the nominees: Debbie Cochran, Dena Dalton, Ellen DiGiosia, Sallie Lewis, Linda Ramos, Mario Ramos, Linda Reynolds, Brian Sweet, Myung Sweet, Miriam Valenzuela, and Victor Valenzuela. We will also discuss some maintenance work for Maresh Hall and hear a finance report from our Church Treasurer (& chair of the Finance Committee), Scott Senter. The meeting will be after worship in Maresh Hall.
We will also have our annual Missions & Ministries Fair this Sunday in Maresh Hall. This is a time to get to know all (or most of) our ministries and mission partners.
This Sunday is also UNDIE SUNDAY (pronounced: “Undy Sundy”). This does NOT mean you should come to church dressed only in your undies. Larkspur Elementary needs underwear to hand out to students. Bring new undies to donate this Sunday, and let’s help out our friends at Larkspur.
LifeTimers returns this Thursday with a live New Orleans Jazz band ready to rock Maresh Hall. Church Council meets Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Next Monday night (Sep 21), Lee Prophitt and I will be leading our 2nd Theology on Tap at Wild Barley. We’ll get started at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Grace and peace,
Garrett Vickrey