When I was approached to serve on Church Council in 2020 for a four year term starting in 2021, my son and daughter were in 5th and 2nd grade. Naturally, I considered “where would they be when I will be serving in my final year as Council Chair in 2024?” With that realization, I had to sit down. Fast forward to now…The kids are at least 4-8 inches taller. Grayson is a high school freshman learning to drive. Finley started middle school and attended her 1st dance with boys. That happened fast!

In that time, Woodland Church has proven that she is strong and capable of moving forward and growing, too. When I started on Council, I was sure that we were going to start building a new sanctuary. Little did we know what would change in the following 4 years. As we were presented hurdles, including a pandemic, loss of loved ones, economic challenges, weather damage to our facilities, political and social conflict, and challenges to our Baptist heritage, we leaned into our faith and on each other. Woodland continued to adapt in service to God and our community. We adjusted how we use our space to be flexible. We introduced online worship services and diversified our outreach programs. Woodland continues to serve the under-privedged through ministries here and abroad. She welcomes others into our community with visitors, new members, ESL, & ELIM. Woodland has provided exceptional worship and healing to her people and community.

Woodland Church is in a healthy position today and moving forward. In 2023, we installed solar panels that are helping us live into our Oikonomos ministry and offset our energy consumption. We are already realizing this benefit. In 2024, the church approved plans to renovate the sanctuary, to make improvements to our children's area and playground, and to create additional classroom space, taking us into more growth potential in 2025 and beyond. There is a lot of enthusiasm behind these enhancements. These opportunities have been made possible in part by smart financial management of large estate gifts, market gains, grants, and other incentives. Our latest financial report was well into the black by $400k.

As the end of my Council tenure grows near, I am very proud of our church and grateful for the spirit that flows through her. We continue to have multi-generational engagement in Woodland activities. The piano side of the church is at capacity with kids and families during service. (It’s time to spread out and mingle more.) Our choral concerts draw a packed house every time. The Sanctuary is at full capacity for Thanksgiving Dinner. The Youth are involved in worship, church programs, as well as ministering to others in their schools, neighborhoods, and around the city. I hope that you will join me in thanking God for these blessings and growth. I am honored to serve you and Woodland! I am optimistic of where we will be in another 4 years when Grayson is going off to college and Finley is a sophomore in high school.

Jason Hanchey,
Chair of Woodland Church Council