LEARNING AS WORSHIP
by Rev. Cabe Matthews, Pastor of Campus Discipleship
I’m addicted to learning. Other than spending quality time with my wife, Stephanie, or playing with our 4-year-old Annie or our 2-year-old Joshua, learning is my favorite thing to do. I like to say it’s one of the only things I’m good at. But I don’t just like learning about a few things — I like learning about basically anything. It’s happened more than once in my marriage that my wife (a college professor and quite an accomplished learner herself) will tell me something I didn’t know, and I’ll say, “Fascinating!” Then she’ll respond, with a skeptical look, “Is it?”
This addiction to learning has been a big part of my faith life, too. From kids’ Sunday school to seminary to pastoring, opportunities to dig into the Scriptures or the deep truths about who God is are often some of the places where God tends to show up in power in my life. Jesus touched my life as a sixth grader in confirmation learning about the atonement of His cross. I devoured apologetics books in high school. From college classrooms to theology texts, learning has often led me to a place of worship.
That connection between learning and worship is important. As one of our discipleship pastors here at TWMC, I’m aware that learning in the church can sometimes just be about gaining more information. As modern people, we love to have information. The more we understand something, the more we think we can control it. Of course, this becomes a problem when it is God that we’re learning about for two obvious reasons. First, we will never fully understand God. Second, we will never be able to control God.
Our learning about God must serve some other purpose — it must move beyond learning to something else. I believe that our learning about God is broken unless it leads us to praise, adoration and love. Because when it comes to following Jesus, it’s not about what you know. It’s about who and how you love.
We have so many fantastic groups, classes and studies at The Woodlands Methodist Church. From The Woodlands Campus to Woodforest to Montgomery, God has truly blessed us with so many gifted teachers and even more folks who are ready to faithfully dive in and explore the deep things of God. I hope you’ll get involved in one of these amazing groups. But my deeper hope is that all these groups will be about more than just learning information — my hope is that whatever group you are a part of will inspire you to praise
RAISING UP NEXT GENERATION LEADERS
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
This month our children will head back to school. They will see familiar faces, hear the stories from the summer and step back into a classroom that may or may not support our Christian values. Many of these kiddos went to camp this summer or to VBS, and maybe they had a “forever encounter” with the God of the universe. Each one of them will have the opportunity to be good news in every place they go.
With the start of the Global Methodist Church, I am so intrigued to see where we will be in 10-15 years. Who will be our leaders? Will the church continue to worship passionately? Finally, will Global Methodists, as a whole, be innovative enough as pastors, staff and laity to be able to share our unique, Wesleyan heritage with the world?
I’m reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy in his first letter: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give head to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4 NKJV). Raising up the next generation of Wesleyan songwriters, artists, missionaries, pastors and authors is a glorious burden that we at TWMC are positioned to influence. I challenge you to pray for the next leaders. The Holy Spirit is already knocking on their heart’s door.
PATRIOTIC SUNDAY
The last Sunday in June our church celebrated Patriotic Sunday. In Traditional and Chapel Bishop Hayes preached on the importance of being dependent on Christ and the spiritual heritage of our nation. The orchestra played Salute to the Armed Forces, honoring those who served in all the military branches.
FestIval HIll PatrIotIc Concert In Round Top
In June we made the trek to Round Top, Texas, for an amazing patriotic concert in the beautiful Festival Concert Hall. The Round Top Festival Institute is an international center for performance and learning. Each summer 100 of the world’s most promising music students are chosen by blind auditions to gather for six weeks of intensive study with some of the world’s most gifted teachers and conductors.
Special
Needs Worship and Picnic
Our Special Needs Ministry experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit during their worship and picnic on Sunday, June 30. The joy of Pentecost was visible through flame hats and fire-like streamers as we celebrated Jesus’ gift to the church. The Hands of Light and Resound Choir led through music and the signing of songs. Following the service, our families enjoyed a fellowship meal together and time to encourage and support one another.
GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Our TWMC pastors and lay delegates traveled to Shreveport, Louisiana, June 20-22 to participate in the Trinity GMC Annual Conference: “Even Greater Things.” Clergy and lay delegates gathered to worship God, enjoy unity of fellowship in Christ, pray and vote on the newest pastors ordained into the conference. Bishop Jones delivered a powerful Spirit-led message encouraging the audience to “listen to the Holy Spirit for greater opportunities to proclaim the gospel.” Our own Jonah Robson, John Kropinak, John Hull, Todd Sullivan and Zach Anderson (Covenant Methodist) were ordained.
Save the Date
BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER SERVICE
Wednesday, August 14
Noon | Robb Chapel
Join us for an hour of worship as we cover our students and schools in prayer. All are welcome.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE, REFLECTION AND RENEWAL
Wednesday, September 11
Noon | Robb Chapel
Join us as we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We will draw near to God in worship and prayer as we remember those who lost their lives as well as those who responded so heroically, both on our shores and abroad.
2025 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
New Opportunity
WESLEYAN AWAKENING PILGRIMAGE (April)
Registration deadline is December 5, 2024. Final payment due December 9, 2024.
TROPICAL COSTA RICA (September)
Registration deadline is March 8, 2025. Final payment due July 17, 2025. Join us for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, September 29, in B203.
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE (December)
Registration deadline is November 27, 2024. Final payment due August 5, 2025.
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
ESTHER: THE HEART OF A QUEEN
Saturday, September 14
Depart TWMC at 12:15 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. show
A.D. Players
A heroic woman’s story of faith, strength and strategy found in gilded mosaic palace. This is a musical starring Sharna Burgess from Dancing With the Stars. The cost of this event is $72 (includes ticket and bus fare). Dinner will be dutch after the show at TBD.
GOSPEL HOUR WITH MILES PIKE
Sunday, September 15
6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
The very talented gospel singer Miles Pike will join David McKenery’s gospel band for an hour of gospel music. No registration required.
Upcoming Day Trip
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
Wednesday, August 21
1:10 p.m. | Depart TWMC 11:00 a.m.
Join us to cheer on the Houston Astros. All seats are in section 131. Cost is $123 per person which includes coach bus transportation and game ticket.
CRAFT CIRCLE
Bring your time and talents and join our Craft Circle teams. All proceeds go to support our local and global missions funding efforts.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | Loft Building
THE WOODFOREST CAMPUS
2nd and 4th Thursdays | 1:00 p.m.| Woodforest gym
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Outreach to our assisted living communities is a growing ministry. We have worship services at Avanti and The Forum with plans to expand. If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or Karen Williams at aggiemom43@hotmail.com
WOODLANDS METHODIST
BOWLING FUN LEAGUE
2nd Monday night of each month
7:00 p.m. | Bowlero The Woodlands
We bowl two games from 7:00-8:45 p.m. Warm up from 6:30–7:00 p.m. No skill required. The cost is $8 per person payable in cash on the day of the event. For more information contact Jeanette Bates 281.455.9073
MIDWEEK PRAYER ROOM
Every Wednesday | Noon | Robb Chapel God invites us to draw near to Him throughout the day so that we might rest in His presence. Join us as we approach God through worship, prayer and His Word.
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursdays, August 1 and 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Room B204
Beginners or players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mah Jongg League cards and rules. Teachers will be available to assist in learning or to brush up on game rules and strategies. Register online. For more information contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Fridays, August 2 and 16
Check our webpage for current activities.
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, August 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us this month for a School Days theme. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. It provides an opportunity for caregivers to find a respite on the first Monday of each month. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514.
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, August 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Embark on an enriching journey of commercial drone photography with Michael Reiland, where every moment is dedicated to enhancing your aerial photography skills. Time and interest permitting, we will fly the drone briefly at the meeting so you can feel the wind created and witness the ease of operation indoors.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, August 9 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us for a night of fun, fellowship and games. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome. For more information contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, August 20 | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month to review Where Miracles Happen by Joan Wester Anderson. In September we will read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. For more information contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, August 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Crochet or knit for those in need. For more information contact Connie Norton at 281.292.3875 or concetta44@comcast.net
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required.
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
Join us for a discussion on a new study of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
The Goldenaires are taking a break this month. We’ll see you on Wednesday, September 4.
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, August 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Adriatic Cafe
The Friendship Class is meeting at Adriatic Cafe, 17825 I-45N, Shenandoah 77385. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, August 12.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, August 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
Spotlight Spotlight
Wednesday, August 7 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
For details, see the back page of the newsletter.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, August 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Cafe
Join us for homestyle cooking at Eden Cafe, 33418 Egypt Lane, 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, August 5.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, August 15 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Join us to review The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. In September we will review The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin. No registration required. For more information contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, August 23 | 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
We have added Mah Jongg to our game night lineup! Join us for Mexican Train, 42 or Hand and Foot. Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. No registration required. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required. Our regular weekly classes begin on Tuesday, August 6.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, August 19 | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819.
AUGUST
*The Woodlands Campus *Woodforest Campus *Montgomery Campus *ALL Campuses
JULY
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
The Gathering Place
10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Woodlands Camera Club
7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Updated Worship Times and Venues
Check twmc.org/worship for updated worship times and locations.
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Woodlands Methodist Bowling Fun League
7:00 p.m. | Bowlero
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Spotlight 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden Cafe
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Caregivers Support
11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Single Life Widows
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Caregivers Support Group
10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Adriatic Cafe WF
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Men’s Book Study
10:00 a.m. | C217-A Back to School
Prayer Service Noon | Robb Chapel
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Book Club
11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Montgomery Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | TBD Adult Game Night
6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Single Life Widows
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Astros Outing Depart TWMC 11:00 a.m.
Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
WF Adult Game Night
6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
a.m. | WF
Men’s Book Study
10:00 a.m. | C217-A
Midweek Prayer Room
Noon | Robb Chapel
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Spotlight Spotlight
Wednesday, August 7 11:15 a.m.
Wesley Hall
Join us to celebrate our 90 and older members. The celebration is a Hawaiian theme with a beautiful photo backdrop to capture this special memory. The FB Strummers, a senior adult ukulele band. will provide entertainment. The cost of this event is $12 per person. Register online.
WELCOME to our friends from The Church at Montgomery. The Church at Montgomery meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hills Junior High, 19190 Keenan Cut Off Road, Montgomery. The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Friday, August 9 | 11:30 a.m. | TBD
RESOURCE CORNER
prayer and care
PRAYER MINISTRY
If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dora Marquez with our Prayer Ministry at 281.822.8249
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Congregational Care is a priority for our pastors. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, in rehabilitation or in hospice care — local or in the Texas Medical Center — we would love to send a pastor or a Caring Ministry volunteer to visit and pray with you and your family.
Contact Caring Ministry:
The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900
The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182
The Church at Montgomery | 281.297.5900
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office on The Woodlands Campus to pick up elements.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, August 2 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Friday, August 16 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, August 5. We encourage you to sign up for the digital version of Monthly Outlook. Not only will this save postage costs for Adults 55+ Ministry, but it will also save resources like paper. Plus, you can access the newsletter anywhere on a computer or your phone. It’s a win-win!
This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY
If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com
NEED A RIDE?
If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.
SHEPHERD CARE
Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes or private residences. If you know of someone in need of companionship or if you would like to volunteer to be a Shepherd, please contact Carolyn Crawford at 281.682.9142