ADULTS 55+
THE SECRET BENEFITS TO MARRIAGE
Hello again. It’s me, Stew, your pastor of marriage and family, offering a reminder of the importance of marriage across the life cycles. Virginia Satir is well known among therapists, specifically family systems therapists, for her insights into the functionality of relationships and families. She poignantly calls out the marriage couple as the “architects” of the family (1983). I like that. The Word of God truly substantiates this notion, albeit not explicitly. Relational sciences are replete with study after study on what Scripture has already established. Yet, there is an ignorance of both in this country. Why does humanity keep reinventing the wheel, then the road, then road signs (yes, I am being very subtle here)?
No matter, we will keep pursuing and living out the truth of God’s Word. And we will point to those in need of the healthy benefits of healthy relationships. For example, John Gottman states the importance of handling each other’s negative emotions without being defensive, contemptuous, and/ or becoming belligerent (Gottman, J. APA Presentation, 1995). He called it the “Mother of all marital processes.” Today, it is called conscientiousness, emotional intelligence, executive functioning, compassion. Scriptures impress the importance of healthy interactions through verses like Proverbs 15:1, which states, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (ESV). Now, it is extremely helpful that Gottman rephrases millennia-old precepts on relationship interactions for our contemporary ears. After all, isn’t that what we pastors do? But I do love how modernday empirical research continues to back up what we know to be true: God’s Holy Word.
Without all the citations (I do have them if you desire to see them) I want to point out just a few of the secret benefits to marriage that do not get much discourse:
❤ Marriage provides a strong identity rooted in equal values rooted in a committed value-based relationship.
❤ Companionship and friendship attributes prevent loneliness and other negative effects from solitude.
❤ Marriage facilitates the engagement of higher reasoning with a partner who shares the goals of that marriage: children, home, security, health, etc.
❤ Marriage protects both parties from outside threats of violence.
❤ Marriage more often improves parenting with balanced accountability
❤ Marriage provides the fulfillment of relational needs:
1. Acceptance / Appreciation / Value 2. Care / Love / Affection 3. Commitment / Trust / Safety 4. Control / Power / Respect 5. Information / Integrity / Truth
Sounds great, right? It actually is more complex than that. But I will skip through the complexities and give you a key to unlock the marriage mystery that was given to me many years ago. The goal of marriage is lifelong unity. And that requires one overarching attribute to achieve the highest levels of fulfillment: equality. Couples are equal in the eyes of God (one flesh). Therefore, the goal of marriage is unity through equality. To see marriage through any other framework will rob both of you of the highest fulfillment God designed.
–Dr. Stew Grant, Pastor of Marriage and Family Ministries
MONTHLY OUTLOOK
WELCOME TO FEBRUARY!
by Rev. Chris McLain Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
The month of February is short but with high expectations:
• Mardi Gras
• Valentine’s Day
• Ash Wednesday
• The Beginning of Lent
I mean, can I please sign up for a month where I can splurge and eat all that is spoilable in my pantry as I prepare to deny myself for the following 40 days plus Sundays until Easter and somehow during that time be forced by society to either plan some big show of affection or be disappointed (maybe even to grieve) to be alone for Valentine’s Day? Oh! And as an extra dose of reality, don’t forget to feel bad about the “New Year’s Resolution” you’ve already forgotten.
Let’s get real for a second. God loves you. Period. None of the above can have an eternal effect on you if you come to a true, deep, unwavering belief in this fact from Romans 5:8 — “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Your resolution, your ability to give a surprise party, how much king cake you can eat, and even how good you are at fasting cannot make God love you any more than He already does. However, the way you respond to God’s love, the way you take on His “yoke and burden” which is “easy and light” will determine how you engage all these expectations.
Maybe there’s a shift. Splurging becomes snacking, a gift might become a shared experience of serving someone else, Ash Wednesday might include invitations to family and friends like Christmas Eve, and fasting could become something to cherish. God is calling us into this ever-present, holy, personal relationship of salvation, and I hope you will answer that call by walking alongside Jesus during this month.
Also, don’t forget the second-best part: You still don’t have to use the treadmill!
Blessings, Chris
FEBRUARY 2023 EDITION THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
Prime Timers
Santa stopped by to pose for photos and David McKenery’s band, SpiritWind, performed Christmas music. The music was outstanding!
December
SHEPHERD CARE CHRISTMAS RECEPTION
The Goldenaires performed a beautiful medley of Christmas music at the Shepherd Care Christmas Reception.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
PRIME TIMERS
Wednesday, February 1 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, February 6 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
ADULTS
55+ LUNCH AND LEARN
ESTATE PLANNING
Monday, February 6 Noon | Hayes Hall A Gina A. Price with Price & Price Attorneys at Law
Stop putting it off! One of the greatest ways we can care for our families is to make hard decisions on their behalf.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Monday, February 13 Noon | Hayes Hall A Doug Garrison, Certified Financial Planner with Cerity Partners, LLC
Join us as for a talk about investments, goal setting and generosity.
Register for these events online at twmc.org/adults55
HYBRID ADULT FITNESS
Join us for the Jim Sloan Trio. This group is a bluegrass band that performs at the Red Brick Tavern in Conroe every Sunday. You won’t want to miss this lively band! The cost for lunch is $12. Register for this event online.
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 respite while their loved one enjoys music, art and entertainment on the first Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at TWMC. Join us this month for a Mardi Gras celebration. If you would like to volunteer your time with this special ministry, please contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, February 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Photographer Kevin Hong will be speaking on aerial photography. Kevin Is a professional storyteller who captures moments and documents significant events through the lens of his camera. The meeting is open to all photographers and non-photographers who appreciate good photography. For more information about The Woodlands Camera Club, visit thewoodlandcameraclub.org
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, February 10 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, February 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Sugar Britches Cafe
Join us for delicious Southern food with a twist. This restaurant is located at 2400 FM 1488, Conroe. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, February 13.
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 21 | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month to review Rebecca by Daphne du Mauria. If you would like to read ahead, in March we will review Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, February 24 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for fellowship each month. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875
Adult Intermediate Fitness
Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Adult Basic Fitness Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Woodforest Adult Basic Fitness Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Continue your health and wellness journey by joining us for hybrid adult fitness classes. Our online classes meet via Zoom the same time as the face-to-face classes.
Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 Password: SFIT Activity Level 1
ADULT PICKLEBALL
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym Woodforest Adult PIckleball Mondays and Fridays | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | WF Gym
ADULTS 55+ LINE DANCING
Thursdays, January 12 - March 2 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Woodforest Adults 55+ Line Dancing Tuesdays, January 10 - February 28 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Join us for some Texas Two-Step and many other wellknown line dances. Dances will be broken down for easy learning. Wear smooth soled shoes. The cost of the eightweek session is $10. Register online. Activity level 2
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
This group is studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace? You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
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 required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Join us for these February activities: Friday, February 3 | State Fare Kitchen 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 200, The Woodlands, 77380 Friday, February 17 | Via Emilia Italian Restaurant 10700 Kuykendahl Road, Suite F, The Woodlands, 77381 Register for these evenst online.
FEBRUARY
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
JANUARY
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Single Life Widows State Fare Kitchen
Service Time Change
All 11:15 a.m. services will now meet at 11:00 a.m. This will be a permanent time change.
Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Lunch and Learn
Noon | Hayes Hall A Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class
9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Lunch and Learn Noon | Hayes Hall A
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m.
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Single Life Widows Via Emilia Italian Restaurant
Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class
9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall WF Caregivers Support Group 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
Sugar Britches Cafe WF Adult Fitness Basic Class
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Peggy’s Book Club
Noon | Allen Parlor
Ash Wednesday
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
MARCH
Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Late Morning Start 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class
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
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH ADULTS 55+
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*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus.
CLASS NEWS
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, February 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
Friendship Class comes together to put snack bags together for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, February 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Join us for lunch at Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon. This is a family-friendly restaurant that specializes in steaks and Texas favorites. The location is 300 CB Stewart Dr, Montgomery, 77356. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, February 6.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, February 16 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Join us this month to review Horse by Geraldine Brooks. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, February 24 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship
Bring a snack or a dessert to share. The cost for this event is $1 per person. We are looking for leaders for this event. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
WOODFOREST ADULT FITNESS
Woodforest Adult Basic Fitness Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Woodforest Adults 55+ Line Dancing Tuesdays, January 10 – February 28 | 1 1:00 a.m. | WF Gym
For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. Please note the Woodforest classes are face-to-face class only.
LATE MORNING START
Monday, February 27 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship Space Fellowship. Food. Entertainment. Join us for a monthly gathering. We kick off this event with the Jim Sloan Trio. This group is a bluegrass band that performs at the Red Brick Tavern in Conroe every Sunday. You won’t want to miss this lively band! The cost for brunch is $12 per person. Bring a friend. Register online.
We are looking for leaders for this new event. Contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 for more information.
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55+
The Woodlands Methodist Church
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY
PRAYER MINISTRY
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
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
RESOURCE CORNER
SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY
If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
NEED A RIDE?
If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact Ken or Linda Keith at 281.796.7447. 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
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, February 3 | 11:00 a.m. | The Woodlands CampusAllen Parlor Monday, February 20 | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required.
Photos will be shared on the Adults 55 + Facebook page. Like us on Facebook.
