by Rev. Dario Vargas, Pastor of Covenant en Español
“Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
– Matthew 6:34 (CEB)
My name is Dario Vargas, and it is a privilege to share the journey God has prepared for me and my family. I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and hold a degree in computer science. In 2001, accompanied by my loving wife, Anna, and our then 14-month-old son, Andrés, I relocated to Texas as a regional sales manager for Latin America. What began as a three-year assignment became a lifelong calling to Houston, where we have built our home, raised our family, and been blessed with two additional children: Carolina (23) and Juana (19). Houston became more than a place to live — it became where God began a transformative work in our lives.
Although I was raised Catholic, my understanding of the gospel was rooted in a “sin-management” approach — striving for holiness but lacking a personal relationship with Jesus. Despite professional success, I felt an emptiness that led me on a journey of spiritual discovery. Immersing myself in the Bible and the teachings of Dallas Willard and completing a two-year program at The Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, I finally grasped the transformative power of the gospel. Through this process, my family and I transitioned to an English-only Methodist church, where we began serving and initiated a small Spanish-speaking group.
Anna and I experienced profound spiritual renewal through the Walk to Emmaus and actively ministered in prison programs like Kairos and Epiphany. During this season, God placed a burden on our hearts to serve other Latinos who, like us, had moved to the United States and were seeking deeper meaning and spiritual fulfillment. In 2018, after much prayer, I was invited to plant a Spanish-speaking ministry, Covenant en Español, in Creekside, an area with a significant Latino population.
With the support of Covenant Church, Anna and I answered God’s call. I left my corporate job and became an ordained elder, and Anna took her first job in the U.S. Together, we launched Covenant en Español in 2019. It has been an incredible blessing to witness God’s love transforming lives.
Today, we are honored to serve and be part of The Woodlands Methodist Church, where the spirit of God is tangible, and the passion for Jesus inspires us daily. We are deeply grateful for the privilege of being used as vessels to share Christ’s love and fulfill His call to make disciples around the globe. May God continue to guide us as we serve His kingdom.
INVESTING IN VOWS
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
I want to take time today to talk about vows. Some examples are vows to the church, vows to a spouse and vows to a business partner. Often times we think about vows in the context that we are primary participants. We say them, mean them, and then life goes on. Today, I am thinking about vows where we sometimes feel a bit removed; however, we take them all the same. Two vows you have probably said in the life of our church deal with marriage and baptism:
“Will those of you gathered here do everything in your power to uphold these persons in their marriage?” And you said, “I will.”
Following the baptism of a child in the church, you have said, “With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child … may be established in faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.”
In Matthew 18:6-7, Jesus shares: “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fasted around your neck.” Sheesh! That one is tough to hear, but I do love how Scripture calls us not only to be “humble like children”(Matthew 18:4), but also to be accountable as those on “solid food” (Hebrews 5:14).
As a disciple of “solid food,” I pray you spend time reinvesting yourself in the vows you have made.
FITNESS KICKOFF EVENT
We hosted Laura Brimer, clinical dietician and founder of MakeWell Nutrition. We learned practical nutrition tips for the new year. If you have any nutrition questions, you may contact Laura directly at info@makewelltx.com.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS WOODFOREST CAMPUS
SPOTLIGHT
We hosted Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith for a beautiful Christmas concert. The Grinch stopped by for photos and stirred up some trouble while he was there!
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Our Montgomery friends met for a holiday celebration at Phil’s Roadhouse. This group meets on the second Friday of each month.
SPOTLIGHT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
11:00 a.m. | WF Worship
Join us for an afternoon of smooth jazz tunes with the SpiritWind band. The cost of this event and a light lunch is $12 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, February 21, at noon.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
10:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Join us for a Fat Tuesday breakfast featuring Tyler Lewis and Josh Herod with Two Tones Dueling Pianos. You won’t want to miss this talented duo. The cost of this event is $12 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, February 28.
ASH WEDNESDAY March 5 Check twmc.org for service
Save the Date
CELEBRATION OF LIFE 101
Monday, February 10 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall
It happens all the time — family members lose a loved one and during one of the hardest times in life, they must guess “what someone wanted.” Let’s give those who will survive our passing a beautiful gift. Preplanning our memorial service takes the guesswork out and lowers anxiety. No guessing, just a true celebration of life. There is no cost for this class. Light snacks will be served.
PASTOR-LED LENTEN SERIES
Tuesdays, beginning March 4 | Noon | Wesley Hall
Join Rev. Chris McLain on Tuesdays for our Pastor-Led Lenten Series “It Is Written: Prophecies to the Promise,” as we take a deeper look into the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus during His life. Then, come back on Wednesdays for Lectio Divina as we listen intently to God’s word for us at this time, as we move from the promise of the cross as it is written.
BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
Sunday, April 6 | Alley Theater Depart TWMC at 12:30 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. show
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they unravel the mystery of the Baskervilles with wit, charm and suspense. Every clue and twist keeps you guessing until the final curtain call. The cost of the ticket and bus fare is $105 per person. Dinner after the show will be dutch.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
TROPICAL COSTA RICA
September
Registration deadline: March 8, 2025
Final payment due: July 17, 2025 View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE
December
Final payment due: August 5, 2025
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA
April 2026
Stay tuned for more information.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We offer worship services and Holy Communion at assisted living communities at the following locations: The Village, The Conservatory, Avanti and The Forum. If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or Karen Williams at aggiemom43@hotmail.com
TWMC BOWLING FUN LEAGUE
Second Monday Night of Each Month | 7:00 p.m. | Bowlero
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.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room
Members of the Goldenaires, a 55+ adults choir, love to share fellowship through music. For more information contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880 or Louise Kramer at louise.kramer917@gmail.com
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
Second and Fourth Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
Join us for a discussion on a study of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 915.373.3707 or jbarney177@gmail.com
CASUAL BRIDGE
First Friday of Each Month | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Room B107
Come and be part of a fun, social bridge group once or twice a month depending on the group. This will be casual bridge for those who just want to play bridge. Some bridge knowledge is necessary. For more information contact Betty Gibson at 832.654.3335
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, February 3 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us this month for a Valentines celebration. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults who have mild to moderate dementia. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Jana Jordan at 281.948.0247
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, February 3 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The Woodlands Camera Club will welcome Jai Shet who will present his journey into deep sky astrophotography, showcasing his work capturing detailed images of the Milky Way and the Moon using telephoto lenses, telescopes, and tracking mounts. Jai will share the techniques behind his process, including using long lenses to stitch together panoramic views, inspiring others to explore the beauty of the cosmos through astrophotography methods.
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursdays, February 6 and 20 | 2:00 – 4:00 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.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, February 14 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Bring your favorite game or play Mexican Train. Bring a dish to share and $1. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012.
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 18 | Noon | Allen Parlor
we will review The Women by Kristin Hannah. If you like to read ahead, in March we will review Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. For more information contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, February 28 | 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
Monday - Friday | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
In 2025 our Fit for Life Fitness classes will meet five days a week. Same great instructors and exercises, two additional times a week. We hope to see you there.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Check our webpage for activities.
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, February 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Madame Brioche Bistro
The Friendship class is meeting at Madame Brioche Bistro. This restaurant is located at 2400 FM 1488 Ste 100, 77384. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, February 10.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, February 20 | 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, February 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Citizens Grill
Join us for lunch at Citizens Grill in Magnolia. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, February 10.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, February 20 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
In February we will review No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister. If you would like to read ahead, in March we will review How to Read a Book by Monica Wood. For more information contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, February 28 | 6:00 p.m. | Woodforest Worship
Join us for Mexican Train, 42 or a game of your choice. Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. For more information conntact Debbie Griffing at 979.236.1654
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Tuesday - Thursday | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
In 2025 our fitness classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We hope to see you there.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, February 3 and 17 | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. For more information about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819.
ADUL TS 55+
for
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Montgomery Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | El Bosque WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall 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 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 Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
WF Classroom
Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
MARCH
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.
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Friday, February 14 | 11:30 a.m. | El Bosque
To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, February 10.
COVENANT CHURCH AT CREEKSIDE
Welcome to our friends at Covenant Church at Creekside. Worship gatherings are held on Sundays in the Worship Center at 8555 Creekside Green Drive at 10:00 a.m. (English) and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish).
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
ADULTS 55+
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Join us for lunch and chat with Covenant leadership. Learn more about our ministries, vision and what it means to be a part of the Covenant family. Meets monthly.
COVENANT PIZZA WITH A PASTOR
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 |
The Church at Montgomery | 281.297.5900 Covenant Church at Creekside | 832.510.4823
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Fridays, February 7 and 21 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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 915.373.3707 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
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.
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!
