DECEMBER 2023 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK
+ MONTHLY
This Advent many people are going to do the same. They’re going to “come to church” hoping to find a God who reaffirms their life and lifestyle, or perhaps to find a God so palatable that they won’t have to change much about their lives until they return at Easter. They will look around and say, “These folks look like me and I don’t see what the big deal is.” In doing so, they will be affirmed that their decisions not to attend church, not to engage in discipleship and not to be vulnerable in spiritual formation practices are all valid. However, the Psalmist makes it clear. God has placed a desire in our hearts. There is an innate desire in each of us that is longing to know and see the face of God. Realizing this truth changes everything. So, this year, as we arrive to the stable, peek in the manger and behold that human baby, may we each say with wonder in our voice:
Happy Advent!
I’ll never forget the first words I said to my wife when I saw our baby boy born: “He looks just like Hartley.” Hartley is my grandfather. Scientists tell us that this innate recognition exists so a dad knows whether this is his child and if he should participate in its life.
“He’s nothing like me, but now that I’ve seen Him, I will do everything I can for Him.” This Advent and Christmas season I would like to challenge you, each Sunday, to listen to the Holy Spirit. He will tell you who you need to speak to, guide you to someone who is seeking, and instruct you on how to proclaim God’s gracious answer to a hurting world.
This holiday season, we invite you to join us as we pause, take a deep breath and rediscover The Wonder of It All. Services are in person and online. Find a full schedule of services and events at twmc.org/advent
OCTOBER PRIME TIMERS In October we hosted Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith for an afternoon of pop tunes.
Spotlight As December eventually runs its course, we will find ourselves transitioning to a new year. Transition is a key word in growing ministries that are always shifting and developing as part of God’s larger vision. We are looking forward to 2024 and will be shifting Prime Timers and Late Morning Start under the moniker SPOTLIGHT. Spotlight will rotate each month between The Woodlands Campus and Woodforest Campus. We want to keep the quality of performers and the food on the level of excellence, and we believe that in doing this we will help all three of our campuses have the opportunity to share in this amazing event!
. . . s y a lw
A Patsy Cline
In October, we saw Kelley Peters in Always...Patsy Cline, featuring 27 of Patsy’s biggest hits, such as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Crazy.” After the musical, we had dinner at Birraporetti’s Italian restaurant.
LATE MORNING START We hosted Kelley and Tommy Peters in October. This father and daughter duo performed pop and gospel music.
WOODFOREST MOVIE AND DINNER
Our Woodforest friends dined at Olive Garden and then watched the After Death documentary.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
ADULTS 55+ FITNESS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fitness classes will take a break between Friday, December 22 – Friday, January 5.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Join us for these December activities: Friday, December 1 — Women’s Lunch with Christine Caine Friday, December 15 — Christmas with Friends Potluck Register for these events online.
LINE DANCING Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Our next line dancing session will begin on Thursday, January 11. The cost is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online.
THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, December 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month for a Christmas concert by The Goldenaires! 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 while their loved one enjoys music, art and entertainment on the first Monday of each month. If you would like to volunteer your time with this special ministry, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514.
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, December 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café The Friendship Class is meeting at Eden Café for homestyle cooking. This restaurant is located at 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia 77354. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, December 11.
THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, December 4 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join The Woodlands Camera Club as professional photographer Kathy Adams Clark explains her creative journey and offers tips for enhancing your creative vision. We will also have The Woodlands Men’s Chorus singing Christmas songs. PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, December 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us for a seasonal Christmas concert with Doc Holiday and Friends. You’ll be blessed by the Christmas music. Come dressed in your Christmas red to enjoy a photo with Santa. The cost of this event and meal is $12. Register online or, if you need help registering, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935. MAH JONGG GAME DAY Thursdays, December 7 and 21 | 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. For more information, contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155. Register online. ADULT GAME NIGHT Game night is taking a break this month. We will resume in January. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012. MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, December 13 | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A Join us for a discussion on Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew. We will resume our regular schedule in January. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, December 15* | 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 *Note date change. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, December 19 | Noon | Allen Parlor Join us this month for our annual Christmas party. We will discuss next year’s selections. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net 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. Draw near to God to be refreshed. GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room The Goldenaires, our adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. No audition is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880.
CLASS NEWS
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT Thursday, December 21 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, December 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse Join us for Texas favorites at Ransom’s Steakhouse. The restaurant is located at CB Stewart Drive, Montgomery, TX 77356. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, December 11. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, December 21 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Join us for our annual Christmas party and book exchange. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067. SPOTLIGHT (Formerly Late Morning Start) Wednesday, January 3 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall The Woodlands Campus Our 2024 Adults 55+ Ministry kick-off event will feature a Blues Brothers tribute band from Dallas. Jake and Elwood will join us for an afternoon of fun and laughter at our luncheon. We’ll hear about the year ahead, and we love an excuse to invite a friend! The cost is $15 per person. Register online. ADULT GAME NIGHT Adult Game Night is taking a break. Activities will resume in January 2024. ADULTS 55+ FITNESS Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fitness classes will take a break between Thursday, December 21 – Thursday, January 4. LINE DANCING Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship Center Our next line dancing session will begin on Tuesday, January 9. The cost is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Monday, December 18 | 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 about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819.
DECEMBER
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55+
*Green text represents events for The Woodlands Campus. Blue text represents events for the Woodforest Campus. *Maroon text represents events for all campuses.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Christmas Lunch with Christine Cain
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Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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11 Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
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Christmas Eve Services
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
20 WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café
Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Ransom’s Steakhouse
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Christmas with Friends Potluck
WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
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Find a full schedule at twmc.org/advent
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2024 FITNESS KICK-OFF EVENT THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
Monday, January 8 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
Tuesday, January 9 | 8:30 a.m. | Woodforest Gym
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
The Church at Montgomery meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hills Junior High, 19190 Keenan Cut Off Road, Montgomery.
ADULTS 55+
SPOTLIGHT (Formerly Late Morning Start) Wednesday, January 3 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall The Woodlands Campus Our 2024 Adults 55+ Ministry kick-off event will feature a Blues Brothers tribute band from Dallas. Jake and Elwood will join us for an afternoon of fun and laughter at our luncheon. We’ll hear about the year ahead, and we love an excuse to invite a friend! The cost is $15 per person. Register online.
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
2024 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES To view the itineraries, go to twmc.org/adults55
The Best of Eastern Canada
Historic Savannah and Charleston Holiday Tour
August 2024
RESOURCE CORNER SUPPORT CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, December 1 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Friday, December 15 | 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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
December 2024
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.
PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY PRAYER MINISTRY
If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com
If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dylan Meeker with our Prayer Ministry at 281.466.8661.
NEED A RIDE?
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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. Shepherds and new Lambs are always welcome. 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.
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